CoA bickers over Pandya-Rahul issue as Vinod Rai wants inquiry done early; Edulji warns of cover up

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are in hot waters for their comments on a talk show.

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have flown back to India to face a probeThe war of words between CoA members Diana Edulji and Vinod Rai has escalated as Vinod Rai looks to hasten up the inquiry into the misconduct of KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya. Diana Edulji has objected to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri doing the preliminary inquiry.

On Saturday morning, CoA chairman Vinod Rai sent out a mail citing the need to hurry the process as they ‘cannot afford to debilitate team strength due to delinquent behavior on the part of some player.’ Rai has suggested that the players must give their explanations early.

In the statement released by the BCCI on Friday night, undersigned by the CoA, it was mentioned that selection committee will soon name their replacements for the ODI series against Australia and the following tour to New Zealand. According to the mail, in possession of TOI, Rai has said that BCCI must take a view by the second ODI. It may be recalled that Rai had initially suggested a two-match ban for the duo.

Edulji, on the other hand, has cited the opinion of the legal team, which had suggested that players get a week’s time to submit their explanations before the CEO starts his preliminary inquiry.  

In view of the grave sexual allegations levied on the CEO, it wouldn’t be justified if he conducts the inquiry. It’s bad optics and the CoA will be criticized for it,” Edulji wrote.

We should be in no hurry to conduct the inquiry as then it will look like a cover-up job being done. The selectors are in the process of sending the replacements immediately and as such the team will be full strength,” she added.

She also suggested that the inquiry is conducted by CoA and BCCI members for transparency. “The inquiry should be done by the CoA along with the three BCCI office-bearers or the CoA along with the secretary who is still functional and carrying out his duties,” Edulji’s mail read.

(TOI inputs)

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 12 Jan, 2019

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