Cricketer Hardik Pandya, who is an exotic for fine things, seemed to have landed in trouble after customs officials impounded two watches worth INR 5 crore from his possession. (More Cricket News)
According to reports, the star India all-rounder was found in possession of the watches without invoices. And he also apparently failed to declare the items.
On Tuesday, Hardik Pandya clarified that the "cost of the watch is approximately Rs 1.5 crore and not Rs 5 crore as per the rumours floating around on social media".
He added that he "voluntarily went to Mumbai airport customs counter to declare the items" he had brought from Dubai. Hardik Pandya went on to say that he "was ready to pay whatever duties that needed to be paid".
"The customs department had asked for all purchase documents which were submitted; however customs is doing proper valuation for duty which I've already confirmed to pay."
He, along with other Indian cricketers, was returning after the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE, where they failed to make the knock-outs.
Hardik, like many of his contemporary cricketers, believes in living large. The 28-year old's social media posts often reveal his extravagant lifestyle.
Hardik Pandya is known for his collection of super-expensive watches, including ultra-rare Patek Philippe Nautilus Platinum 5711, which costs upward of INR 5 crores. Here are some samples:
Hardik is struggling to attain match fitness and has failed to impress with his performance in recent times, for both the national team and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. He last played for India in their final Super 12 match against Namibia at the T20 World Cup, but didn't get to bat or bowl.
He also failed the make the cut for India's home series against New Zealand, which starts on November 17 in Jaipur.
Last year, his elder brother Krunal also landed in the soup for bringing excess valuables, including undisclosed gold worth INR 1 crore upon returning to India from the UAE.
