 Indian Premier League (IPL) has terminated the agreements with Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals will immediate effect. Kochi have been told
off with a serious warning, ordering them to straighten their affairs and resolve
internal problems otherwise face the same fate as Punjab and Rajasthan.
The decision to end terms with the franchises came at a meeting on Sunday,
10th October. BCCI chairman Shashank Manohar explained that Kochi was
not found breaching any term, therefore have been let off with a caution. They
have 10 days to solve their internal problems. IPL structure has been changed
thoroughly; the post of commissioner has been succeded by chairman who'll run
the administrative affairs. The total number of members has been set to eight
which was previously 14.
The decision is received with mixed feelings, Vijay Maliya, the owner
of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lashed out at BCCI's decision; doubting
if franchises have any respect for their stakes or they are just servants of
BCCI.
Both franchises were found violating several conditions of the agreement. According
to BCCI the teams have been found guilty of breaching the contract on a few
counts each.
Rajasthan Royals had the following issues. Manoj Badale, who signed the agreement
and documents, wasn't entitled to do so as he was not original bidder or a company/unit
owned by bidder. In other words, without authority he acted as bidder. The franchise
agreement articulates that no change of ownership is allowed in first three
years, whereas an investigation reveals that the ownership of Rajasthan Royals
has been altered twice.
Rajasthan Royals have allegedly provided BBCI with incorrect information regarding
structure of Jaipur IPL Cricket (PVT) Limited.
Kings XI Punjab had their own issues. Preity Zinta acted as a bidder
when she was not entitled to do so. The shares rest with ACEE Enterprises Private
Limited and Mohit Burman. This according to BBCI was a violation of the tender
agreement. The franchise agreement indicates that no change of ownership control
can arise in the first three years, like RR, Punjab have also changed the ownership
twice.
The ousted franchises are looking at their options to submit their responses.
Rajasthan Royals claim that they have not received any notice from BCCI
and indicated that they may have to take legal route. A statement issued by
Kings XI Punjab called the decision was unfair and unjust. It also said that
their legal department is examining a decision and rooting a response. Both
the franchises however, are slightly hopeful that these matters may yet be resolved
with negotiations out of court.
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