Hockey India Issues Show-Cause Notice to Director General RK Srivastava

New Delhi: Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to its Director General, Commander R K Srivastava. The notice was served through Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey’s lawyer. His powers and responsibilities as Director General have also been withdrawn.

The notice contains eight allegations, including the controversy surrounding the change in the Indian team’s jersey. Hockey India has asked Srivastava to submit his explanation within four weeks of receiving the notice. The organisation said further action would be taken based on the available records if he fails to respond.

The primary allegation concerns the decision to change the Indian team’s traditional blue jersey to orange without prior consultation with the president or the executive committee.

His travel to the Netherlands and Belgium for the World Cup has also been questioned. He allegedly travelled for the tournament despite earlier instructions to remain in India to resolve crucial issues related to the Hockey India League.

Other allegations include the role of a PR agency in the jersey controversy, disciplinary action involving players during the South Africa tour, issues concerning coach Craig Fulton, internal records related to a Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) case handled by Hockey India’s Internal Complaints Committee involving employee Vikram Pal, and communications with international organisations such as the FIH and AHF.

Hockey India clarified that the notice does not constitute a final finding of wrongdoing or disciplinary punishment. It also said the action would not affect Srivastava’s remuneration or service benefits under his existing contract.