CALLED UP ONCE MORE

Hardik Pandya asked to join India squad in New Zealand

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Hardik Pandya will rejoin the India squad in New Zealand. © Getty

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has been asked to join the India ODI and T20I squads in New Zealand after his suspension was lifted with immediate effect by the Committee of Administrators earlier on Thursday (January 24). KL Rahul, who has also been provisionally clearedpending an adjudication by a BCCI Ombudsman, will join the India A squad in Trivandrum for the final three one-dayers against England Lions.

Rahul and Pandya were originally suspended by the CoA on January 11 for their controversial statements on a television talk show. Their fate and sanction, if any, was up to the discretion of the ombudsman after the two-member CoA - Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji - found no middle ground on the next step of action.

It was decided that CoA would wait for the Ombudsman, a position that was previously filled on the Supreme Court of India's recommendation, to conduct a disciplinary enquiry and propose sanction should he/she deem necessary. The post, however, continues to remain vacant since late 2016 when Justice AP Shah excused himself from the responsibility. Last Thursday (January 17), the court adjourned the hearing to February 5.

Pandya was sent back home from Australia a day before the start of the One-Day International series, with Vijay Shankar called up to replace him for the ODIs in Australia and New Zealand. Shubman Gill replaced KL Rahul for the limited-overs leg in New Zealand and will continue to remain with the squad.

© Cricbuzz

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