CHENNAI: Defending champions Tuti Patriots are confident of playing in this year’s Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) despite a principal district court barred them from participating, following a law suit filed by Indian Bank (Thoothukudi Branch) authorities over non-payment of a loan they had taken for the previous edition.
It has been reliably learnt that team officials have started the process of repayment. According to sources close to developments, about 80 per cent of the amount has already been paid. Officials of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association have stood by the franchise and are expected to take up the issue legally.
Owned by Albert Muralitharan, owner of Albert theatre, the team was slapped with an interim ban on Tuesday after bank authorities appealed at the court seeking repayment. The team was bought for `5.21 crore last year. Source confirmed to Express on Wednesday that the team has agreed to pay the loans back and will play in the second season of the tournament starting on July 22 in Chennai.
“They have agreed to pay the amount before the start of the tournament. About 80 per cent has been paid back. The team officials have confirmed that the rest of the amount will be paid as soon as possible,” an official part of the TNPL organising committee said.
Since the TNPL comes under the wings of the TNCA, the state body will have to appeal to a higher court seeking stay on the ban. “The TNCA is appealing to the Madras High Court seeking a stay on the previos order. Tuti Patriots will play in the TNPL without issues,” the source said. “Also, since the problem came up in the last minute, it will be difficult to plan and reorganise with a new team as the tournament starts in two days.”
vimalsankar@newindianexpress.com