Kochi and Pune fee reduction demand rejected

The BCCI's Working Committee has rejected Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Sahara Pune Warriors demand for a reduction in their their franchisee fees. The two new franchises, which made their debuts this season, had sought a 25% waiver on the grounds that the BCCI had stated in the bidding document that each team would play 18 league matches in a season, but the schedule was later pared down to 14 matches per team.

The two teams have already paid 75 per cent of this year's installment and wanted the balance waived. They argued that the reduction in matches was a breach of the terms of the Invitation to Tender the board issued before the two new teams were bought. Since they had based their bid on the number of matches to be played, a reduction in matches should therefore be accompanied by a reduction in the franchise fee. However, the committee voted to turn down the request at its meeting in Mumbai today.

In March 2010, the Sahara group bid $370m to became owners of the Pune franchise while a consortium of five companies called Rendezvous Sports World offered US$333.33m for Kochi. The amount is to be paid in installments over 10 years.