Diana Edulji doesn't want Pandya-Rahul enquiry to be rushed

The differences seem to have once again crept in between the two Committee of Administrators (CoA) members Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji as the former wants the enquiry into the Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul matter to be done quickly but latter differs. Edulji, in a letter accessed by TOI, has assessed that if the enquiry is hastened then it would look as if they are trying to cover up the issue.

While CoA chief Vinod Rai feels that the quality of the Indian side should not be dented for the players’ comments outside the playing field and hence wants the enquiry done quickly. Edulji believes that replacement players will soon be available to the Indian team which should not dent India qualitatively.

Edulji also expressed that the matter should not be enquired by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri as he himself was levelled with sexual allegations even though he was cleared of the charges. Edulji further added that the inquiry should be conducted by the CoA and the BCCI officials for the process to be deemed transparent. 

“In view of the grave sexual allegations levied on the CEO, it wouldn’t be justified if he conducts the inquiry. It’s bad optics and the CoA will be criticized for it,” Edulji wrote. 

“We should be in no hurry to conduct the inquiry as then it will look like a cover-up job being done. The selectors are in the process of sending the replacements immediately and as such the team will be full strength,” she added.

“The inquiry should be done by the CoA along with the three BCCI office-bearers or the CoA along with the secretary who is still functional and carrying out his duties,” Edulji’s mail read.

It should be noted that Pandya and Rahul were criticized for their comments on a television show after which they were suspended on the advice of the BCCI cell. They have been recalled from Australia and will remain suspended until the enquiry into the matter is completed.