With players Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul caught in the vortex of the “Koffee With Karan” show related misdemeanours and asked to return home to face an inquiry, CoA, Diana Edulji has opposed the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri conducting the inquiry.
She has told her colleague, Vinod Rai, “In view of the grave sexual allegations levied on the CEO, it wouldn't be justified, if he (Johri) conducts the inquiry. It’s bad optics and COA will be criticised for it.”
“We should be in no hurry to conduct the inquiry as it will look like a cover up job being done. The behaviour of the players have been very controversial and should not be co-related with debilitating team strength. With 2 players coming back, the selectors are in the process of sending the replacements immediately and as such the team will be full strength.”
Ms. Diana has further said: “The (BCCI) constitution does not provide for appointment of an ad hoc ombudsman as such it wont be prudent to go down that lane. The inquiry should be done by the COA along with the three office bearers or the COA along with the secretary who is still functional and carrying out his duties. “
Ms. Diana has reasoned that in order to be fair and transparent and in legal terms, it is said that not only justice is done, but also seen to be done. “As such my view is we follow natural justice and total transparency and not let any external factors come into play. Let us not rush into making wrong decisions.”
Following the in-house legal advice, the BCCI has served show cause to Pandya and Rahul, asking to respond in seven days.
