The Committee of Administrators chief Vinod Rai on Thursday recommended a two-ODI ban on India players Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul for their controversial comments on women in a TV show but fellow COA member Diana Edulji referred the matter to the BCCI's legal cell.
If the ban is imposed, the duo could miss the first two matches of a three-ODI series against Australia starting Saturday in Sydney.
"I am not convinced with Hardik's explanation and I have recommended a two-match ban for both players. However the final decision will be taken once Diana gives her go ahead," Rai said.
Pandya's comments on 'Koffee with Karan' were slammed as misogynistic and sexist, prompting the CoA to issue a show cause notice on Wednesday. The all-rounder, in response, said he was sincerely regretful and would not repeat the behaviour.
"Diana has sought legal opinion whether the duo can be banned. So, obviously a decision will be taken once she gives her nod. As far as I am concerned, the comments were crass, in bad taste and unacceptable," Rai said.
Edulji also sought the opinion of BCCI acting president CK Khanna, acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry on the issue.
Responding to her query, Anirudh recommended a suspension for the two and a gender sensitisation programme for them.
"The players must be immediately suspended pending a proper inquiry and must be allowed to join the team (if selected) only once they have gone through a proper sensitisation in addition to serving a ban, if imposed upon them," he said.
Anirudh said there should also be an investigation into how the two players appeared on an entertainment show.