HARDIK Pandya and KL Rahul have been suspended by India’s cricket board (BCCI) after comments about women on a television show.
The ban is with immediate effect and the pair have been told to return home from the tour of Australia to explain themselves.
Pandya has since apologised, saying he “got carried away with the show”.
The BCCI said “an enquiry and proceedings will be made against them for misconduct and indiscipline”.
Pandya, 25, and Rahul, 26, were speaking on popular celebrity talk show Koffee with Karan, which is hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar.
The chat show is in its sixth season and this was the first time cricketers have appeared on the sofa.
Pandya spoke about “hook-ups” with several women and said he liked to observe women at bars or nightclubs.
He boasted on the show about being open with his parents about the liaisons. However, Rahul, who is yet to address the controversy, was more reserved with his comments.
Writing on social media, Pandya added: “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.
India captain Virat Kohli called the comments “inappropriate” and was without the two players for his side’s defeat in the opening match of a three-match one-day series down under. (BBC Sport)