Bombay HC dismisses Kochi plea against BCCI

MUMBAI: In a blow to the owners of the Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Bombay High Court today quashed their plea against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

As a follow-up action, Kochi Tuskers Kerala has appealed against the Bombay High Court?s decision.

The franchise?s case was dismissed by a single bench of Justice SF Vajifdar today. A new hearing before a division bench of the court will take place tomorrow.

Cricket?s richest body had terminated Kochi Tuskers Kerala?s contract on Monday for breaching its terms and conditions, prompting the franchise to move the court.

The Kochi franchise defaulted on a Rs 1.56 billion annual payment it was to make as bank guarantee.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala chairman Mukesh Patel had earlier maintained that the franchise does not owe the BCCI any money.

It remains to be seen as to what happens to the players in that franchise like Mahela Jayawardene. However, BCCI president   said the players? interests would be safeguarded.

The BCCI has not clarified yet whether it will hold an auction for a 10th franchise or go with nine teams.