BCCI can advertise for new IPL franchise: Srinivasan

Board of Control for Cricket in India president N Srinivasan refused to talk about the issue of IPL franchise Deccan Chargers, saying it is sub-judice, but said the Board can advertise for a new team to be added to the Indian Premier League.

"I cannot comment on the matter (of Deccan Chargers) as it is currently sub-judice. I'm informed that the court may issue an order soon," Srinivasan told reporters after the Board's 83rd AGM in Mumbai on Thursday.

"But, as far as the Board is concerned, it is at liberty to advertise for another franchise. But that's a decision to be taken. If we have to go with nine teams, so be it," he added.

The Bombay high court on Wednesday appointed retired Supreme Court Judge C K Thakkar as arbitrator to resolve within three months the dispute between the BCCI and Deccan Chronicles Holdings Ltd (DCHL) over the Board's termination of Deccan Chargers from IPL.

Justice S J Kathawala ordered appointment of Justice Thakkar to mediate after the parties failed to come up with mutually acceptable names of arbitrators.

The court, however, reserved its order on a plea made by DCHL to stay the BCCI's decision to terminate the contract of the cash-strapped Deccan Chargers at its emergency IPL Governing Council meeting in Chennai last week.

The court further ordered DCHL to give Rs 100 crore bank guarantee to the BCCI within 10 days after it passes an order on the former's petition seeking a stay on the termination.

The high court had earlier ordered status quo to be maintained regarding the termination of the franchise by BCCI.