CHENNAI: An arbitration panel has ruled that the BCCI has to pay a hefty compensation to Kochi Tuskers Kerala for illegally terminating their IPL franchise contract in 2011. Feasibility of pursuing the matter legally along with the Indian team’s calendar from 2019-24, referred to as Future Tours Programme (FTP), will dominate discussions at the board’s special general meeting at a New Delhi on Monday.
Other matters listed on the four-point agenda are considering revocation of the suspension on Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and stand on following NADA codes for dope-testing. With Lalit Modi having dissociated himself from RCA, the suspension imposed in 2014 is likely to be lifted. Members are also expected to agree that since the BCCI is compliant with WADA testing rules, there is no need to come under NADA.
According to members taking part in the SGM at Taj Mansingh, Kochi compensation and FTP are the main issues. Following the court-appointed arbitration panel’s verdict in 2015 that BCCI has to pay `550 crore plus an 18% annual penalty on failure, the latter had moved the Mumbai High Court. The case is pending. Members have to decide whether to follow it up or pay `850 crore that Rendezvous Sports — Tuskers’ owners — are demanding.
Officials like IPL governing council chairman Rajeev Shukla have said that there is no alternative but to pay. Many have blamed former BCCI president Shashank Manohar for taking the decision to expel Kochi for breach of franchise agreement. But on Sunday, members from at least three zones told Express that there will be arguments at the meeting in favour of taking the court route.
“For an institution to declare that there is no option but to cough up such a huge amount, there have to be strong enough reasons. Since there is a case pending at Mumbai High Court, we should find out if it’s worthwhile following that up. Let’s see what the actual amount is and how much it can come down to. We have to see all the avenues before deciding that we stand no chance,” said the president of a state body.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the head of another state unit said, “No legal opinion on the Tuskers compensation claim has been circulated among members before or after the SGM notice was sent. Members don’t know what are the merits and demerits for BCCI in this case. I think the question will be raised whether it’s better to seek legal opinion before deciding that this is the end of the road.”
Since a draft FTP prepared by BCCI CEO Rahul Johri has not been circulated among members, there is no scope for any opinion yet, although the members are expected to bargain for something that ensures enough days of cricket on home soil and money from TV rights. There could be arguments if it’s found that the average number of days is less than the previous five-year cycle.
atreyo@newindianexpress.com