demise

IPL scenarios under the scanner: Interesting possibilities!

With the IPL imbroglio boiling over and culminating in the expulsion of two teams, Kings XI and Rajasthan Royals, let’s take a quick look at the scenarios that could unfold:

1> The two franchise owners could go to court thus staying the auction of players in Jan 2011. This could have the effect of jeopardising or at the least delaying IPL 4 with two possibilities arising:  one that the teams are reinstated and thus IPL 4 goes on as scheduled , with some last-minute patch-ups and glitches.

The other is that the BCCI move is upheld and Raj Kundra and Preity Zinta sustain losses on their investments. The fans of Rajasthan Royals and Punjab XI are left feeling disgruntled and the other franchisee owners are left holding their queasy tummies in the sickening realization that the BCCI is a law unto itself and business motivations can take a backseat.

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The IPL Witch-Hunt: BCCI knocks out Kings XI and Royals

The IPL witch-hunt is truly on!

The scrapping of two franchises Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals, the 2008 champions, has been swift and clinical.

The BCCI terminated their contracts making it clear that irregularities were not to be tolerated any more. If this signals a move to a more professional setup, the move is welcome.

But if it is seen as another move to further isolate Modi and his supporters, it will be just another instance of intense politicking and jockeying for power  in the richest sports body in the country.

The Kochi franchise lives on – for now. It has a ten-day reprieve. And with the reduction in the number of franchises, the Pune and Kerala-based franchises may be profitable sooner than later.

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