A recent development in the legal arena has resulted in a temporary halt to the plans of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) to proceed with tenders for running a professional league until 10th June 2024. This decision arose from a contract dispute with Captains Professional Basketball League (CPBL).
The saga began when the BFI unexpectedly released a new tender notice in major national newspapers on 27th May 2024, catching CPBL off guard as they were already involved in a contractual relationship with BFI for the management of a professional basketball league. CPBL alleged that the BFI’s decision was not only surprising but also breached the terms and conditions of their existing agreement.
Several years ago, CPBL was awarded the tender by BFI, with the objective of hosting basketball matches across the nation and nurturing the sport from the grassroots level. This initiative aimed to discover new talent and elevate the standard of basketball in India. As part of their contract, CPBL was responsible for organizing events, developing young talent, and increasing the visibility of basketball throughout the country.
On 10th May 2024, CPBL successfully launched the INBL Pro in Delhi, showcasing international stars in an exhibition match. The event garnered significant media attention and fan interest, serving as evidence of CPBL’s efforts to elevate the profile of Indian basketball.
However, the abrupt release of a new tender by BFI posed a threat to CPBL’s efforts. In response, CPBL promptly filed a petition in a Karnataka court, seeking an injunction against BFI’s actions. After carefully considering the petition and the details of the contract, the court found merit in CPBL’s claims. The ruling emphasized the importance of honouring contractual agreements and preserving trust in business relationships, highlighting that unilateral actions can have far-reaching consequences.
The court order restrains BFI from taking any further actions related to the new tender until 10th June 2024. This timeframe is intended to allow both parties to address the breach of contract allegations and potentially renegotiate terms if necessary.
The success of cricket’s Indian Premier League has sparked similar sports leagues in India. The INBL PRO League by CPBL aims to elevate basketball by integrating local and international talent, with plans to invest over 300 crores in the sport over the next five years. This ruling represents a significant victory for CPBL in its ongoing legal battle with BFI.
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