Bombay HC reprieve for Rajasthan Royals

In a major reprieve to Indian Premier League franchisee Rajasthan Royals, the Bombay high court on Tuesday upheld the order passed by an independent arbitrator granting stay to the termination of its contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Justice S J Vazaifdar dismissed an appeal filed by the BCCI challenging the stay granted by the arbitrator and permitted Rajasthan Royals to participate in the IPL-4 auction that is to be held on January 8 and 9.

The court, however, imposed a condition on Rajasthan Royals directing them to file an affidavit before it by January 3, specifying full details of its ownership pattern and mode of control.

"It is necessary that the bonafides of the three owners -- Emerging Media (IPL) Ltd, Tresco International and Bluewater Estates Ltd -- are established. BCCI is entitled to call for full disclosure of ownership under the franchisee agreements," the court observed.

Apart from specifying the mode of control, the affidavits should also include a statement from all the three company owners that they are in full control of their investment companies.

The court also directed Rajasthan Royals to submit US $2.83 million as guarantee to the BCCI for the contract and US $18 million as bank guarantee for the players.