IPL franchisees to form new body

In a move that is bound to have far-reaching implications,the eight franchisees of the IPL have decided to come together and form their own union.

In a move that is bound to have far-reaching implications,the eight franchisees of the Indian Premier League (IPL) have decided to come together and form their own union with a view to provide a forum to address their grievances.

The decision came at the IPL workshop in Bangkok after the franchisees thought it appropriate to have a formal body to streamline the informal line of talks happening between the franchisees and also modulate the dialogue process between the franchisees and the BCCI.

Yes,we have decided to set up a body of all eight franchisees,although its not about getting into a confrontation with the board. We would from time to time put up our concerns through this body but most of the work will pertain to have a formal mode of talks within the franchisees themselves, an IPL franchisee said.

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Franchisee owners have been working on the formation of such a body since early 2009 but couldnt arrive at a decision as the second edition of the tournament was shifted out to South Africa within a short notice after its itinerary clashed with general elections. The owners had also demanded compensation for the losses they incurred with the sudden relocation of the event.

PCB grants NOCs

Meanwhile,the PCB has granted NOCs to its players to participate in the next Indian Premier League (IPL). Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq,who will be signing Kolkata Knight Riders,confirmed the news on Tuesday. The PCB has given us NOCs for the IPL and hopefully this time we will be able to take part in the league in India, Razzaq said. When asked whether the government had also cleared the players to play in India,Razzaq said there should not be a problem with the government allowing them to play.

Eleven Pakistan players had taken part in the first IPL but their contracts were cancelled after Pakistan government advised its players against playing in India after the Mumbai attacks. Only four players – Kamran Akmal,Sohail Tanvir,Umar Gul and Misbah ul Haq managed to retain their employment with franchisees but their contracts were put in suspension. The IPL has set a November 20 deadline.

(With inputs from agencies)