Cricket: BCCI axes Kochi from IPL

NEW DEHLI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has terminated the contract of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala on grounds of non-payment of bank guarantee. The decision brings an abrupt end to the team’s association with the IPL after merely one year. “Because of the irremediable breach committed by the Kochi franchise, the BCCI has decided to encash the bank guarantee in their possession and also terminate the franchise,” said new BCCI President N Srinivasan. The competition will now be reduced to nine teams. According to Srinivasan, any decision to induct a new franchise would be taken by the IPL Governing Council.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th,  2011.