India vs New Zealand 2019: BCCI Asks Hardik Pandya to Join the Squad in New Zealand

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have asked all-rounder Hardik Pandya to join the Indian National Cricket team in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the men in blues are currently leading the five-match ODI series. Moreover, a three-match ODIs will follow the ODIs starting from February 6.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Administrators provisionally lifted the ban on Pandya and KL Rahul with immediate effect on January 24 (Thursday). While Hardik Pandya will join the India squad, BCCI have asked Rahul to join India A team in Trivandrum for the final three one-dayers against England Lions.

Previously, CoA issued a suspension letter to Pandya and Rahul on January 11 for their controversial remarks on a talk show. The duo made some sexist and misogynistic comments as it caused a social media uproar. So much so, it prompted BCCI to introduce behavioural counselling program for cricketers across all the age groups.

However, their fate and sanction, if any, was up to the discretion of the ombudsman. CoA decided that they would wait for the Ombudsman, a position that was previously filled on the Supreme Court of India’s recommendation, to conduct a disciplinary enquiry and propose sanction should he/she deem necessary. The post, however, continues to remain vacant since late 2016 when Justice AP Shah excused himself from the responsibility. Last Thursday (January 17), the court adjourned the hearing to February 5.

BCCI, meanwhile, asked Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul to return to the country soon after the episode went air before the start of the ODI series against Australia. Vijay Shankar replaced Pandya in the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand while Shubman Gill replaced KL Rahul for the limited-overs series against New Zealand. The duo will continue to stay with the squad.

India will play New Zealand in the second ODI at the Bay Oval on January 26 (Saturday).