India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has apologised for controversial comments made during an Indian talk show recently.

Pandya and teammate KL Rahul appeared on an episode of ‘Koffee with Karan’, which is hosted by Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, earlier this month. The 25-year-old Pandya made remarks that were perceived as misogynistic, sexist and racist.

‘I like to watch and observe how the women move. I’m a little from the black side, so I need to see how they move,’ he said during the show.

‘The other day there was a party. My parents are sitting there and (referring to the female guests) they’re like “Which one is yours?” and I sat with them and said, “This, this this, everyone’s got something with me.”‘

The Board of Control for Cricket in India later issued Rahul and Pandya with show cause notices.

‘You have made a few statements during your appearance that have not been well received in the media and within the BCCI,’ chief executive officer Rahul Johri wrote in an email.

‘You will appreciate that being a BCCI contracted player, such statements on your part also reflect poorly on BCCI.’

Pandya has since replied.

‘As you are aware, 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,’ he said.

‘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.’

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