Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul put forward unconditional apology, CoA chief insists not to end their careers 

What's the story?

After the controversial stint in a talk show, the Indian cricket duo of Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been in news for all wrong reasons. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently suspended them until further investigation and might have to face more disciplinary actions before returning to the field.

On Monday, both Pandya and Rahul tendered 'unconditional' apologies for their 'offensive' comments at the show. However, CoA chief, Vinod Rai came out saying BCCI should correct the players but not end their careers.

“Yes, Hardik and Rahul have submitted their reply to the fresh show-cause notices that were served to them. They have tendered an unconditional apology. The CoA chief has instructed the CEO to conduct an inquiry as per clause 41 (c) of the new BCCI constitution,” a senior BCCI told Hindustan Times.

The background

A couple of weeks ago, 'Koffee with Karan', a popular television show aired, featuring its maiden cricket presence with Indian cricketers Hardik Pandya and Kl Rahul. An hour-long show saw both of them making some racist, sexist and misogynistic comments, following which the duo came under the scanner.

The heart of the matter

All-rounder Pandya and batsman Rahul were sent back from Australian tour mid-way after the controversy triggered. Rai in his email to Diana Edulji insisted that the BCCI doesn't want to 'end young careers.'

“Please be assured that the desire to conduct the inquiry is not a desire to ‘cover up’. The interest of cricket in India has to be kept in mind. The off the ground act of the players was deplorable. It was crass as I said immediately after reading the comments,” Rai wrote.

“It is our responsibility to reprimand them, take corrective action, sensitize them of their misdemeanor and then get them back on to the ground once they have suffered the consequences,” he said.

Rai further mentioned that the players have been already "shamed" after they were recalled back from the Aussie tour and they should be heard now.

“We need to correct them and not bring their career to a cul de sac by indefinitely delaying a decision. These misdemeanors require swift action, with a corrective approach,” he added

What's next?

The acting President, CK Khanna has received requisitions to from 10 state units requesting a Special General Meeting to look into the nature of the inquiry and the following action, at the earliest.