All-rounder Hardik Pandya will join up with India’s ODI squad in New Zealand while KL Rahul will form a part of the India A squad after their interim suspensions were lifted by the BCCI.
Pandya will fly out to New Zealand at the earliest to join the India squad which is currently involved in a five-match ODI series against the hosts.
Rahul, meanwhile, has been asked to join the India A squad which is currently battling it out with the England Lions in a one-day series in Thiruvananthapuram. Rahul will be a part of the squad for the final three matches of the series.
The two players had been indefinitely suspended after their controversial remarks on a television show and were made to return home subsequently from India’s tour of Australia.
On Thursday, the BCCI lifted the suspensions on the duo with immediate effect and they will now be available for selection pending the appointment of an Ombudsman by the cricketing body.
Relief for India all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
The inquiry opened against the two players by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) had been held up due to the BCCI Ombudsman post lying vacant for some time. The matter was ultimately referred to the Supreme Court of the country who deferred the hearing last week.
The Court had asked the CoA to wait for PS Narasimha’s appointment as the new Amicus Curiae in the case before making a decision.
The interim suspensions of the two players were lifted ultimately on consultation with Narasimha.
“The above matter and decision has been taken with the concurrence of the amicus curiae, Mr PS Narasimha. In view of the above, the suspension orders dated 11.01.2019 is immediately lifted pending appointment and adjudication of the allegations by the BCCI ombudsman,” a BCCI release stated.
