Karnataka court orders BFI to suspend its new tenders after allegedly unlawful contract termination

New Delhi, May 30, 2024: In a major legal development, a court in Karnataka has restrained the Basketball Federation of India, the governing body of Indian basketball, from inviting further tenders for conducting a professional league till June 10, 2024, after the BFI unilaterally published a new tender in major newspapers on May 27, 2024, thereby violating its contract with the Captains Professional Basketball League (CPBL) several years ago.

A few years ago, the Indian Basketball Federation awarded the CPBL the contract to host basketball matches across the country and promote the sport at a grassroots level, which in turn is expected to bring in new talent. On May 10, 2024, INBL Pro was launched with much fanfare in Delhi, with several international stars looking to showcase their skills in an exhibition match.

A day earlier, on May 9, the BFI, for reasons known only to it, approached the Delhi High Court, arguing that the CPBL did not have the authority to host the exhibition.

match despite knowing that BFI had awarded the contract to CPBL through a fair and transparent process. However, CPBL stood firm and approached the court. The Supreme Court, after a thorough examination of the matter, delivered the verdict holding that CPBL was entitled to host the show.

Despite an existing tender awarded to the CPBL, the Basketball Federation of India issued a fresh tender on May 27, 2024 for a “technical and financial bid for engaging an organizing partner to conduct the National Star Basketball 3*3 & 5*5 ​​League” despite having an existing contract with the CPBL awarding the rights for another 5 years. This was in violation of the terms of the contract that the CPBL has dutifully adhered to all these years.

After CPBL sued the court for breach of contract, the court issued an interim order restraining the BFI from opening the tenders until June 10, when the case will be heard in court. This is certainly a big advantage for CPBL in its legal battle with the all-powerful BFI.

The tremendous success of the Indian Premier League in cricket has led to similar league tournaments in all sports and the CPBL has paved the way for the success of basketball in India through the INBL PRO League. INBL PRO has ensured that emerging talents are given a platform while ensuring the right mix of local and global talent.

CPBL is determined to build a world class professional league that will catapult the game to the next level. CPBL has earmarked an investment of over 300 crore in the game over the next 5 years.

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First published : May 31, 2024, 3:03 p.m.