Board gets tough on IPL payment issue

The Board of Control for Cricket in India rejected the request of the Pune Warrirors and the Kochi Tuskers asking the board to waive of the 25% of the remaining franchise cost, on Wednesday.

The two new entrants in this year's Indian Premier League had stated that since the number of matches in the ongoing tournament was reduced from 94 to 74 after the team auctions, that to still pay for the pre-decided number of matches would be incorrect.

"It is our fundamental right because we were promised 18 games and the fees were charged accordingly. But since the matches have been cut down, our request for lesser franchisee fee is logical," Kochi Tuskers director Mukesh Patel had told members of the press earlier.

The board's decision though would put it and the two teams at loggerheads although 75% of the total payments have already been made by both the teams.

Sahara bought the Pune franchise for Rs. 1,700 crore while Kochi invested Rs. 1,500 crore. According to rules, franchises have to pay the amount in 10 equal installments.

(with inputs from IANS)