Hardik Pandya likely to be punished by BCCI | Photo Credit: Instagram

'Got carried away' was Hardik Pandya's excuse for the much talked about comments on the talk-show Koffee with Karan - where the all-rounder appeared along with his international teammate KL Rahul. Since being aired on television, the show has created a ruckus among the followers of Indian cricket - who have slammed Hardik for his 'misogynistic, sexist and racist' comments. While the cricketer issued an apology on Wednesday morning, it doesn't seem to be enough as the BCCI is likely to sanction a punishment.

Pandya will be punished by the BCCI, appropriate action will be taken against him once the concerned officials have watched the episode, as per Times Now sources. The officials have reportedly decided to watch the entire episode today and decide on the course of punishment which will also be made public in a press release.

The choice of words by Hardik on the show highlighted a concern as far as the cricketer's attitude towards women is concerned. With the BCCI considering this a serious issue, a corrective measure is likely to be taken.

“This attempt at an apology does in no way bring the issue to closure. This merely shows how lightly he takes the gravely serious issue of respecting women. His conduct was unacceptable. He needs to understand the impact the utterances of an international cricketer have in this country but more importantly, he needs to learn how to differentiate between the right and the wrong. Right now he seems to merely respond to the outrage and not to his own thought process and conduct,” a senior BCCI official told Hindustan Times.

Pandya, in his statement of apology, claimed that he got carried away with the nature of the show and didn't intend to hurt anyone's feelings.

“After reflecting on my comments on Koffee with Karan, I would like to apologise to everyone concerned who I may have hurt in any way. Honestly, I got a bit carried away with the nature of the show. In no way did I mean to disrespect or hurt anyone’s sentiments. Respect”, he had tweeted.

The Surat-born cricketer didn't feature in any of the four Tests for India against Australia but is expected to be drafted in the team for the ODI series, starting January 12 in Sydney.