Rajasthan, Punjab thrown out of IPL
Indian Premier League (IPL) has shockingly thrown out two of its franchises, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Punjab-c833, from the fourth edition of IPL due to irregularities in its management along with ownership issues.
The multi-million dollar league is staged on an annual basis by the Board of Control for Cricket in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 (BCCI) and its Governing Council which runs the affairs of the cash-rich T20 league.
After going through several problems, the BCCI has finally decided to part ways with the two franchises, citing ownership disputes as ‘unbearable’. The governing council has also sent notices to the Kochi franchise to resolve their internal disputes otherwise
they will face similar consequences.
The way BCCI have scratched these teams, it clearly shows their intent. Experts believe that the BCCI wants to stamp their authority over the franchises. Raj Kundra, the co-owner of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Rajasthan-c837 Royals, has heavily criticised the decision to suspend his
side and has threatened to sue the BCCI over the termination of the Rajasthan Royals.
The terminated franchises have got support from Royal Challengers Bangalore owner who has condemned this step as well and has asked the board to show some respect as they are not slaves.
A group of businessmen in 2008 bought the Kings XI Punjab franchise for a whopping amount of $76 million. The stakeholders included Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, prominent businessman Ness Wadia, businessmen Karan Paul and Aditya Khanna.
Kings XI Punjab played in three editions of the IPL and remained one of the strongest teams of the competition despite the fact that they failed to win any silverware. The team did manage to appear in the semi-finals of the tournament but it was sheer bad
luck which kept them out of the finals of 2008 edition. Pretty Zinta’s presence attracted media and support of both Indians and international fans.
The team had stars just like local boy Yuvraj Singh leading them in the first addition who became a huge hit in the skipper’s role. He was helped by other superstars who had their own share to help Punjab in becoming a force to reckon with.
One of the world’s fastest bowlers Brett Lee played for them as well. In addition to the Aussie, Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara wore the red jersey of the Kings XI Punjab. One of the biggest hits with Punjab was Australian all-rounder
Shaun Marsh who went on to represent Australia on the back of strong performances in the first season of the IPL.
Local Indian players were not far behind with pace duo of Sreesanth and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Piyush-c82317 Chawla made his name with Punjab and the franchise brought some stability to Irfan Pathan’s career.
Rajasthan Royals on the other hand was dubbed as the weakest team in the beginning with Shane Warne acting as the coach, captain and player for the franchise. Rajasthan team hardly had any superstars with Shane Warne and his compatriot Shane Warne being
the biggest attractions in the side. However, the team took everybody by surprise, defying all odds and going on to clinch the first IPL title.
Shane Warne’s astute guidance was important which helped the players gel as a team. Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir finished the tournament as the highest wicket taker in the first season whereas http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Watson-c96326 was named as the man of the tournament.
The team was the least expensive of all the franchises in the IPL; bought for $76 million by businessmen http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Manoj-c1888 Badale, Raj Kundra and Lachlan Murdoch. However, just like all other high profile Bollywood personalities, Shilpa Shetty bought shares after the
team’s success in the first season.
Tags: