Senior BCCI official Ratnakar Shetty was scathing in his comments on the way cricketers Hardik Pandya and K.L. Rahul conducted themselves on the ‘Koffee with Karan’ show hosted by Karan Johar.

“It is time the BCCI decides to take corrective steps for cricketers who talk rubbish on public platforms. Hardik Pandya was a disgrace to the cricket community the way he spoke... He has insulted women and also made a racist remark,” Shetty lashed out at the two cricketers.

No joke

Activist Kavita Krishnan too viewed it seriously. “The cricketers’ comments were harmful to the dignity of women. There should be some accountability. It’s not just a joke,” she noted.

For long, Sunil Gavaskar has been critical of the current players’ behaviour and often reminded them of their responsibilities as role models. He did it during his tenure as captain of the Indian team also.

“It is a serious matter. We teach young players various aspects of public conduct. The BCCI also teaches them how to handle finances and fame. We were guided by seniors like Gavaskar and Kapil [Dev],” said former India stumper Kiran More, who has monitored Hardik’s progress since his junior days in Vadodara.

A senior Board official observed, “The players are given a handbook on what to do and what not to do before every tour. In any case, these players are well aware of the fact that they need permission to speak to the media. How have they defied the instructions? It is lack of discipline.”