BCCI Ombudsman Slaps Monetary Fine On Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul, on Saturday, finally learned their fate for their remarks on a popular television talk show.  The future of both the players were hanging in balance after suspension handed to them in the aftermath of the Koffee with Karan controversy. The Indian cricket board had called back both the players from Australia before the ODI series before suspending them.

However, later the Committee of Administrators (CoA) lifted the suspension pending the appointment of an ombudsman. Last month, Justice (Retd.) DK Jain became BCCI’s first ombudsman and a decision on the matter was expected soon. In fact, reports suggested that the BCCI officials were expecting Justice Jain to give his verdict before the selectors announced the World Cup squad on April 15.

Read More: IPL 2019: Bowling Last Over Reminded Me of Ben Stokes Over in 2016 World T20 Final – Moeen Ali

Jain finally revealed his verdict on Saturday, confirming that Rahul and Pandya will fly to England for the World Cup. Both the players were named in the World Cup squad last Monday. Before that the duo had appeared before Jain separately to explain themselves. While Pandya met him on April 9, Rahul met him in Mumbai on April 10.

Justice Jain directed KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya to pay Rs1,00,000 each to families of 10 constables in para-military forces who lost their lives on duty. Jain also directed the duo to pay s 10,00,000 in the fund created by Cricket Association for the blind for promotion of game for the blind within 4 weeks.

If the amounts are not deposited by KL Rahul & Hardik Pandya within the time granted, BCCI may deduct the amounts from the match fees payable to them.

Meanwhile, this year’s World Cup will see all the ten teams playing against each other once. The top four teams will then make it to the semifinals. The World Cup will start on May 30 with India opening their campaign on June 5 against South Africa.

Read More: IPL 2019: Every Match Is Like Final From Here On, Says Ben Stokes