Hardik Pandya to take first flight to New Zealand after COA lifts ban

All-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to join the Indian cricket team in New Zealand as soon as possible for the ongoing limited-over series after the suspensions on him and his teammate KL Rahul were on Thursday lifted by the Committee of Administrators (COA), two weeks after they were sent home from the tour of Australia due to their sexist comments on a TV show. 

"The 25-year-old Pandya is expected to take the earliest available flight to join the team in New Zealand for an ongoing limited-overs series, while Rahul might play in either the domestic circuit or show up for India A in the home series against England Lions," a BCCI source told PTI. 

India are already 1-0 up in the five-match ODI series after beating the Kiwis by 8 wickets in Napier.

This announcement comes two weeks after they were sent home from the tour of Australia due to their sexist comments on celebrity talk show "Koffee with Karan" hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar.

In a press release issued on Thursday evening, the COA which is headed by Vinod Rai, stated that the decision has been taken with the concurrence of Amicus Curiae, PS Narasimha.

The decision to lift the suspension is pending an inquiry, for which an ombudsman is to be appointed by the Supreme Court. The apex court has listed the matter tentatively for February 5.

While Diana Edulji wanted the BCCI office-bearers to be involved in deciding the fate of the two cricketers, COA chief Vinod Rai had dismissed the suggestion as it would have been in violation of the Board constitution.

The COA said the decision to suspend the two players was taken under "Rule 46 of the approved BCCI Constitution", which covers players' conduct that can bring the Board into disrepute.

The idea of letting the players get on with the game was first mooted by BCCI acting president CK Khanna, who wanted the suspensions to be lifted pending inquiry.

(With PTI Inputs)