Court Restrains Basketball Federation Of India Amid Contract Dispute

In a significant legal development, a Karnataka court has restrained the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) from pursuing any further tenders for running a professional league until 10th June 2024.

This decision follows BFI's unilateral publication of a new tender on 27 May 2024, violating its existing contract with Captains Professional Basketball League (CPBL).

The controversy began when the BFI unilaterally issued a new tender notice in major national newspapers on 27 May, 2024. This announcement took many by surprise, particularly the CPBL, which has been in a contractual relationship with BFI for the management of a professional basketball league.

CPBL alleged that the BFI’s move was not only unexpected but also in direct breach of their binding agreement, which had laid out specific terms and conditions regarding the management and operation of the league.

A few years ago, BFI awarded the tender to CPBL with the objective of hosting basketball matches across the nation and promoting the sport at the grassroots level. This initiative aimed to unearth new talent and elevate the standard of basketball in India. As part of their contract, CPBL was tasked with organising events, fostering young talent, and enhancing the visibility of basketball throughout the country.

On 10 May 2024, CPBL launched the INBL Pro in Delhi with much fanfare. The event featured several international stars showcasing their skills in an exhibition match, drawing considerable attention from media and fans alike. This launch was a testament to the efforts put in by CPBL to boost the profile of Indian basketball and was seen as a pivotal moment for the sport in the country.

However, the sudden issuance of a new tender by BFI threatened to derail these efforts. Reacting to the tender notice, CPBL promptly filed a petition in a court in Karnataka, seeking an injunction against BFI’s actions. The court, upon reviewing the petition and the details of the contract, found merit in CPBL’s claims. In its ruling, the court highlighted the importance of honouring contractual agreements and maintaining trust in business relationships. It emphasised that unilateral actions, such as those taken by BFI, could significantly damage the trust and financial stability of involved parties.

The court’s order restrains BFI from pursuing any further actions related to the new tender until 10 June 2024. This period is expected to provide both parties with the necessary time to address the breach of contract allegations and potentially renegotiate terms if required.

The success of cricket's Indian Premier League has inspired similar sports leagues in India. The INBL PRO League by CPBL aims to elevate basketball, blending local and international talent, with plans to invest over 300 crores in the sport over the next five years. This ruling marks a significant victory for CPBL in its ongoing legal battle with BFI.

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