Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul could face suspension, Australia tour of India schedule out, and more - Cricket News Today, 10th January 2019

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul to face suspensions

Under fire for his 'racist', 'sexist' and 'misogynist' comments on women on a popular television talk show Koffee With Karan, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya could face immediate suspension alongside opener, KL Rahul.

Rahul did no wrong but found himself in the bad books of BCCI for his national teammate's act. BCCI Treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has called for a harsher penalty than the two-match suspension initially proposed by CoA member Vinod Rai.

According to a letter which is doing the rounds, Chaudhry wrote, "As far as the quantum of the punishment is concerned if the players are found guilty as per the procedures laid down in the Rules and Regulations, keeping in view the above factors and discussions, a two-match suspension seems to be merely a stop-gap arrangement especially considering that the CoA had banned Mr. Smith and Mr. Warner for a season."

He added, "The players must be immediately suspended pending a proper inquiry and must be allowed to join the team (if selected) only once they have gone through a proper sensitization in addition to serving a ban if imposed upon them. In any case, the entire team and support staff must go through a sensitization process. The CEO may join them in the sensitization as well as recommended by Ms. Veena Gowda, Advocate."