Bombay High Court Rules in Favor of Kochi Tuskers in BCCI Dispute
In a landmark ruling, the Bombay High Court has sided with the Kochi Tuskers in their legal battle against the BCCI, dismissing the board's petition and affirming a ₹538 crore arbitral award. The court's decision highlights the limitations of its jurisdiction under the Arbitration Act, emphasizing that the BCCI's dissatisfaction with the arbitration findings does not constitute grounds for appeal. This case stems from the BCCI's controversial expulsion of the Kochi Tuskers from the IPL in 2011, which has now led to significant financial implications for the board. Read on to discover the details of this unfolding legal saga.
| Jun 18, 2025, 19:01 IST
Court Decision on Kochi Tuskers Case
The Bombay High Court has delivered a significant ruling against the BCCI in the Kochi Tuskers case, dismissing the board's petition. The court upheld the arbitral award of ₹538 crores in favor of the Kochi Tuskers' owners. The BCCI had expelled the Kochi Tuskers from the IPL in 2011, leading the team to file an arbitration case against the board. The franchise participated in only one IPL season, finishing in eighth place.
Judge R.I. Chagla stated that the court cannot act as an appellate authority over the findings of the arbitrator in the case involving BCCI and Kochi Cricket Private Limited. The court emphasized that its jurisdiction under Section 34 of the Arbitration Act is quite limited. The BCCI's attempts to delve deeply into the merits of the dispute contradict the grounds outlined in Section 34 of the Act. The board's dissatisfaction with the conclusions regarding evidence and merits cannot serve as a basis for challenging the award.
The Kochi Tuskers franchise was initially acquired by Rendezvous Sports World and later managed by Kochi Cricket Private Limited. The BCCI terminated the franchise in September 2011, citing a breach of the franchise agreement. The board claimed that the franchise failed to provide a bank guarantee. In contrast, KCP Limited argued that the delays were due to unresolved issues, including stadium unavailability, regulatory approvals on shareholding, and a reduction in the number of IPL matches.
During the delays, BCCI and KCP Limited maintained communication for several months, with the board accepting multiple payments. However, the BCCI abruptly terminated the franchise and also encashed the prior guarantee issued by RSW. KCP Limited and RSW initiated arbitration proceedings in 2012, resulting in a tribunal ruling in their favor in 2015. KCP Limited was awarded ₹384 crores, while RSW was granted ₹153 crores, along with interest and legal costs.