New Delhi: Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya Wednseday offered ‘regrets’ in response to a show cause notice for his comments on women on a TV show, which triggered a massive outrage and might prompt the BCCI to bar players from such appearances.
Pandya and teammate KL Rahul were Wednesday issued show cause notices by the BCCI for their remarks on women which triggered a social media storm.
“I made an appearance on the chat show where I have made certain statements without realising that these could be disrespectful and offend sensitivities of viewers for which I am sincerely regretful,” stated Pandya’s response, a copy of which is with the agency.
“I would like to assure you that there was no malice or any sort of ill-intent on my part to offend anyone or portray any section of the society in bad light,” he added.
Pandya vowed never to repeat the behaviour. “I made these statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the extent to which my statements would be found offensive. Rest assured I hold the BCCI in highest regard and will exercise complete discretion and prudence to ensure that such incidents are never repeated in future,” he said.
The show cause came hours after Pandya apologised for making remarks that were construed as misogynist and sexist on celebrity chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’, saying he got ‘carried away by the nature’ of the show.
“After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, 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,” Pandya had posted on twitter.
Appearing on the show, hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, with Rahul, Pandya’s apparent loose talk on women and his sexuality took many by surprise.
For most of the show, it was Pandya, who took it upon himself to say the most outrageous things, mostly on women.
From his party times to talk on his sex life, Pandya’s brashness did not taper down. “When I lost my virginity, I came home and said, ‘Main karke aaya hai aaj (I did it today)’,” was his response to a question on how ‘cool’ he is with his family members.
“At a party my parents asked me acha tera wala (women) kaun sa hai (Which are your women)? I said yeh, yeh, yeh (pointing out women) and they were like waah proud of you beta,” he went on to add to stress on the ‘cool quotient’ of his family.
The line of questioning to the two cricketers also seemed excessively focussed on women – the ones they have dated, those they wish to date and which of them was the more attractive one.
“If you all hit on the same women, then how do you decide?” asked the filmmaker. Rahul’s response was, “up to the woman.”
Pandya was more outspoken. “Nahi nahi aisa kuch nahi hai, talent pe hota hai. Jisko mila woh leke jao (Nothing like that, it’s about talent, whoever gets them, takes them),” said the all-rounder with a little shrug of the shoulders.
