[1]Cricket lovers in Kerala are watching with bated breath the ongoing tussle between the BCCI and owners of Kochi Tuskers Kerala over the fate of the IPL team even as noted director Priayadarshan and NRI businessman Mr Ravi Pillai make a strong bid to retain the team in home state.
The BCCI move against the KTK came close on heels of the director – businessman team inking a pact with the KTK owners. “We have signed a MoU to acquire 20 percent stakes in the team, provided the team is retained in Kerala itself,” Mr. Priyadarshan told DC.
Earlier there was a move to shift the team to Gujarat.
However, with the fate of KTK team hanging in balance following the failure in providing bank security of Rs. 150 crore in time, both Mr. Priyadarshan and Mr. Ravi Pillai are keeping their fingers crossed.
“It’s the headache of the present owners to find a solution to the security deposit issue. Once they settle the problem, we will go ahead with our plans to acquire the stakes,” Mr. Priyadarshan said.
Mr. Priyadarshan had earlier planned to float an IPL team in association with Malayalam super star Mohanlal.
However, the plan did not materialize as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)made last minute changes in the bidding conditions. “At present, there are no one other than myself and Ravi Pillai,” said the film maker, when asked about the other stake holders.
Recently there were media reports that the Kochi franchise owners of KTK team are planning to sell some of their stakes.
This had promoted Priyadarshan, a die hard cricket fan himself, to make a fresh attempt to be part of IPL Kochi team.
Links:
[1] http://103.241.136.51/ko0jpgcropdisplayjpg-890