A plea challenging the use of the name Indian Premier League (IPL) by the BCCI for its annual T20 tournament has been dismissed by the Kerala High Court. The plea was filed by Ashique from Ernakulam, who argued that the IPL is not an official cricket tournament of the country, and therefore the BCCI’s use of the name “Indian Premier League" is illegal.
However, according to a report in The Hindu, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. concluded that there was no merit in the argument and, as such, refused to entertain the plea.
The IPL was first launched in 2008 with eight city-based franchises and was later expanded to include two more teams. It has since become the world’s biggest T20 league, featuring participation from cricketers across the globe.
The 19th season of the cash-rich tournament is scheduled to get underway on March 28, when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Gets Govt Clearance
Meanwhile, the uncertainty over M Chinnaswamy Stadium of Bengaluru being allowed to host IPL matches has ended after the Karnataka government gave its permission. The venue hasn’t hosted any high-profile cricket match since the deadly stampede last year during RCB’s victory parade.
“We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the Karnataka State Cricket Association stated in a media release.
“Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru," the release added.
Source: News18