All-rounder Hardik Pandya has responded to Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) show-cause notice issued to him and his teammate KL Rahul for their comments on women made on a TV show, saying it was 'sincerely regretful', news agency PTI has claimed.
In his response to the notice, Pandya said he did not realise that his comments would be found offensive. (Also Read: Hardik Pandya slammed for 'creepy' comments on Koffee With Karan)
"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," he wrote in his response.
"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. I made these statements in the flow of the show and had not comprehended the extent to which my statements would be found offensive," he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Supreme Court-appointed BCCI's Committee of Administrators (COA) issued the show-cause notice to Pandya and Rahul for their remarks on women made during the celebrity talk show 'Koffee with Karan" hosted by Bollywood film-maker Karan Johar. (Also Read:
Koffee with Karan fallout: Pandya, KL Rahul show-caused by COA; BCCI)
COA chief Vinod Rai was quoted as saying by PTI that the cricketers have been 24 hours to respond to the notice.
"We have sent show-cause notices to Hardik Pandya and K L Rahul for their comments. They have been given 24 hours to give an explanation," Chairman of the Committee of Administrators that runs the BCCI, Vinod Rai, told PTI.
The show-cause notice came hours after Pandya apologised for making remarks that were construed as 'misogynist' and 'sexist', saying he got "carried away by the nature" of the show. (
The 25-year-old Pandya, who is in Australia with the Indian team for the ongoing tour, vowed never to repeat the behaviour. (Read: 'Got carried away': Hardik Pandya apologises to fans after being slammed for remarks in 'Koffee With Karan')
"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.
Pandya appeared on the show with Rahul, who was a lot more restrained in his responses to questions on women and relationships.
It is learnt that Pandya has unreservedly apologised to the Indian team management and his teammates in Australia.
Although seen in high spirits in celebratory videos circulating on social media after India's 2-1 series' win over Australia, Pandya has since laid low. He wasn't part of the optional practice session at the SCG on Wednesday.
He is said to have spoken with coach Ravi Shastri and other senior members of the Indian ODI team, expressing his regret over those remarks.
A source, close to the player, told PTI that Pandya was "drawn into making those comments as the show producers coaxed a carefree attitude" from him and Rahul.
(With PTI Inputs)
