Kochi, Thursday 3 March 2011: The Kochi saga refuses to end. The new Indian Premier League franchise (IPL) has threatened to initiate action against the BCCI on grounds of violation of franchise agreement by the cricket board.

In a mail to the BCCI, the franchise has pointed out a series of issues, particularly about the venue for its home matches, and said it would initiate action if a proper reply didn’t come its way.

“Please note that if a satisfactory reply is not received, we will be constrained to take further actions,” the letter reads. When contacted, a top Kochi official did not rule out legal action.

At the outset, the franchise has taken exception to the format, saying the BCCI has unilaterally decided to prune the number of matches, thereby violating the agreement. “This stand is totally wrong and contrary to the terms of the ITT.

The BCCI has taken a stand that it was its prerogative under the franchise agreement to reduce the number of matches. Unfortunately, this stand is not in accordance with the agreement and spirit,” the letter says.

The team has refused to play its home matches in Kochi. “We feel that it is imperative to point out certain important issues/aspects pertaining to venue of 2011 league matches allocated to our team as also match format,” the letter says.

It also claims that if its concerns are not addressed, the franchise will suffer losses up to Rs1,000 crore. “We had requested you to change the venue to Ahmedabad. This request was made on account of the problem with completion of the stadium in Kochi.

In terms of the franchise agreement, if the agreed stadium is not made available, the IPL is required to offer to the franchisees an alternative stadium to the satisfaction of the franchise,” the letter says.

The letter further says that the IPL, without addressing the franchise’s concerns, has come out with the schedule. “In spite of our communication, we have not heard anything from your end.

In the meantime, the IPL has finalised the schedule. Under the circumstances, the matches cannot be staged and the IPL alone is liable for consequences and losses that may be caused to us,” the letter reads, adding, “Smooth functioning cannot take place unless clarification pertaining to the venue is received. We would therefore request the BCCI and IPL to inform what is proposed to be done in respect of these issues.”

When contacted, the BCCI refused to comment. “We don’t address such issues through the media,” BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said.

(News agency)