Gillette suspends brand association with Hardik Pandya

What's the story?

Nothing has been going well with Indian cricketers, Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul following their controversial comments on a talk show. On Friday, BCCI suspended the duo until further investigation and so are brands and companies as they are reviewing their association with them.

The first call has been taken by the Gillette Mach3 Start as the men’s shaving razor brand, on Saturday, ended their association with Pandya. The company believes that Pandya's recent litigious comments don't go well with their values.

“Hardik Pandya’s recent comments do not reflect the values of Gillette. We have suspended our association with Hardik until we decide on further course of action,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying by TOI.

The background

All-rounder Pandya and batsman KL Rahul recently appeared on a talk show, 'Koffee with Karan' where mostly Bollywood celebrities are seen having conversations with director and producer, Karan Johar, discussing their personal and professional lives.

In its maiden episode with cricketers, Hardik made some 'racist', 'sexist' and 'misogynistic' statements while Rahul also said some shocking things, putting both of them in trouble.

The heart of the matter

Indian cricketers have lately been contributing to a growing number of celebrity endorsements in India. Like most of the present day players, both Hardik and Rahul are part of several companies.

However, they might lose much of that in coming days since their comments in the show have brought them in a scanner. Taking the step initially, Gillette cut off their deal with Pandya in awe of their suspension by BCCI.

What's next?

Having already been sent back home before the start of India's ODI series against Australia, the duo might well have to sit out for a longer time.

Meanwhile, as both of them are an important part of the limited-overs squad, how team India will fill the voids after their exit would be interesting to see.