Franchises urge BCCI to clear Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for IPL 2019

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and top-order batsman KL Rahul were recently slammed for their comments on an episode of Koffee With Karan. Their views were termed 'sexist', 'misogynistic' and 'racist'.

For those comments and the subsequent backlash, those two players are currently suspended from playing for the Indian team until the authorities deliberate on the matter.

These two players not only missed the three-match ODI series against Australia in Australia but will also be missing the New Zealand tour where India are set to play five ODIs and three T20Is.

The 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League will also be commencing from March 23. Both Pandya and Rahul are crucial members for Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab respectively.

According to a report in InsideSport, a senior executive from one of the franchises has clearly stated that they do not agree with the statements made by the two players but are also not in any position to omit them from the side. The franchises also want the BCCI to take a final call on the duo before the third week of February so that they can begin training ahead of the IPL.

“We don’t deny as what they said is not acceptable. Our management is clear that he (the player) will be sanitised before donning our jersey for the season and you will see a sea change in his behaviour and attitude after that. The issue has been discussed deeply by our management. While the team owners are furious about the whole episode, management is of the view that we are not in a state to make an emotional decision,” the senior executive said.

The franchises also seemed to share the opinion that the two players can be demoted in their contract category with the national side. However, they urged the Indian board to ensure that the duo are available for the upcoming IPL season.