Hardik Pandya claims he didn’t realise his comments were ‘disrespectful’

Indian youngsters Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul have been under fire ever since they appeared on talk show "Koffee With Karan" hosted by Bollywood director and producer Karan Johar and got into serious trouble as a show cause notice was issued by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their comments on the show. 

Now. Pandya has responded to the BCCI show cause claiming that he had no idea that his comments would be considered disrespectful by the general public. Pandya had 24 hours to respond to the notice and added that he did not realise that his comments would be found offensive.

“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. 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 wrote in his response, which is in with PTI reporters.

It is learnt that Pandya, who is in the squad for the three-match ODI series against Australia, has unreservedly apologised to the Indian team management and his teammates for his behaviour off the pitch. The 25-year-old vowed never to repeat the behaviour in the future. 

“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,” Pandya added.