BAI terminates Indian Badminton League tournament agreement, promoters mull legal action

New Delhi, April 23: The promoters of the Indian Badminton League (IBL), Sports Solutionz, are considering legal action against Badminton Association of India (BAI) in the wake of reports that BAI has terminated the tournament agreement with them.

"Sporty Solutionz Pvt Limited (SSPL), commercial rights holders and promoters of IBL as their first reaction will like to maintain that this act of the BAI is unlawful, unwarranted and against the very basics of the Indian Badminton League Agreement, which the BAI and the Maharashtra Badminton Association have signed with the promoters of IBL (SSPL) for a period of 10 year," said the promoters in a statement today.

The company said it will go to court if BAI doesn't resolve the issue amicably after reports emerged that the body plans to end the agreement and hold the IBL on its own.

"SSPL legal counsels are studying the case and will respond with an appropriate legal action against BAI and the Maharashtra Badminton Association. However, in the best interest of IBL, players and sports lovers SSPL is open to dialogue for an amicable resolution of the issue. SSPL is also open for a debate/discussion on any platform," it said.

"It is worth mentioning, that on three occasions BAI has agreed on a window for IBL Season 2 and back-tracked on their words. On each occasion SSPL had set the ball rolling. Engaged international players, incurred expenses on operations and bookings," it added.

PTI