Super Kings owners look headed for appeal

A senior official of India Cements, the company that owns Chennai Super Kings, has said the franchise was likely to appeal the quantum of punishment - a two-year suspension from the IPL - imposed on it by the Supreme Court-appointed RM Lodha Committee.

There were varying opinions on the process of the appeal, but the official said Super Kings would approach the Madras High Court for relief. "Clearly, we will appeal to the Madras High Court," he told ESPNcricinfo. "We will appeal to reduce the proportion of the punishment."

It was clear, however, that the Super Kings management was not optimistic. "It would be good to get an injunction. Otherwise, we don't have any option but to shrug it off and stay away for two years. What else can we do?" There was no date set for the filing of the appeal, with Super Kings saying on Tuesday that the franchise would not rush the process without studying various aspects of the judgment.

The Rajasthan Royals owners - the other suspended franchise - continued to stay under the radar, making no public statements about their next move. Some BCCI officials felt Royals had little choice but to appeal for a reduction in the period of suspension, given the business of Jaipur IPL Cricket Limited, the holding company, revolves entirely around the team. In that scenario, there is concern over whether the franchise can sustain themselves financially for two years without being part of the IPL.