India pair Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been summoned to hearings with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in relation to their ongoing suspension from the national team.
Rahul and Pandya, both of whom have featured in all formats for India, were suspended over remarks that were widely construed to be sexist during an appearance on the talk show Koffee with Karan in January.
BCCI ombudsman Justice DK Jain has set up hearings with Pandya on April 9 and Rahul the following day to listen to their version of events.
They will not be compelled to attend, with Justice Jain telling ESPNcricinfo: “I have sent them the notice. It is for them to appear or not.
“It is part of natural justice. You cannot hold someone guilty without having given them the opportunity to present their case.”
Pandya apologised after the comments, writing on social media: “I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect.”
The all-rounder has become an important part of India’s plans, with his Test batting and bowling averages both just over 31 after 11 matches. He has 44 wickets in 45 one-day internationals and 36 in 38 Twenty20 games, with over 1,000 runs across the two formats.
Rahul has played 34 Tests, scoring 1,905 runs including five centuries, and 41 limited-overs internationals with centuries to his name in each format.
The pair are currently both playing in the Indian Premier League, with Rahul’s Kings XI Punjab in action away to Pandya’s Mumbai Indians on April 10 – the date set for Rahul’s hearing.
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