PBL 2018: Bengaluru Blasters call for resolution of legal issues surrounding competition

What’s the story?

Trouble is brewing ahead of the start of the third edition of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) with one of its franchisees -- the Bengaluru Blasters -- taking a stern stand against the Badminton Association of India (BAI)'s ongoing legal cases regarding the erstwhile Indian Badminton League.

With a possible adverse impact of it on the image of the popular PBL that is held under the aegis of the BAI, the southern team has brought the matter to the notice of BAI’s commercial partner, Sportzlive. There have also been talks that some of the teams are not ready to shell out the franchisee fee, which is a matter of deep concern for the Blasters.

To avoid any kind of hassle before the third season of the two-week long badminton extravaganza, the Blasters have written to Sportzlive, asking them to call for a meeting that will allow a swift resolution of the issues.

“It has come to our notice that a couple of legal cases are going on against Badminton Association of India in Delhi High Court with potential adverse impact on PBL and in turn, its franchisee operations," the letter read, as quoted by the Times of India.

“It has also come to our knowledge that some franchisees are not ready to pay the franchisee fee for various reasons…. In view of the above mentioned uncertainties, we suggest you to call for a joint meeting involving BAI, PBL and the owners... As you are aware our franchisee has a participation of reputed celebrities and we can't put their reputation at risk,” explained the Bengaluru team in their letter.

In case you didn’t know

The first edition of the IBL was held by the BAI in 2013 in association with Sporty Solutionz Pvt Limited (SSPL), who were the brand owners and commercial partners. After a two-year gap, the league returned in a new avatar in 2016 when BAI tied up with new partner, Sportzlive.

The termination of their contract did not go down well with SSPL, who moved the Delhi High Court for protection of their intellectual property rights.

The heart of the matter

The dispute with SSPL landed the BAI in a hot water. Sporty made allegations that the BAI had forged several documents while violating the terms of their contract and sought compensation for it.

Sporty were awarded Rs. 2.5 crore for it but challenged the verdict, besides asking for a stay on the PBL until the issue is resolved. The hearing of this case has been scheduled on December 11, 2017.

What’s next?

The much-awaited third season of the PBL is set to start on December 23 and will continue till January 14. The pan-Indian league has been expanded this time to eight teams. Both the men’s and the women’s singles World No. 1 players -- Viktor Axelsen and Tai Tzu Ying -- will be seen in action.

Author’s take

The PBL has heightened the popularity of the sport of badminton even further. Thanks to it, fans now have got the chance to witness some of the best players in action in multiple Indian cities.

PBL brought back to life the excitement of a badminton league in the country when the IBL hit a roadblock. All the necessary steps should thus be taken to ensure that it is a long-lasting one.