JOIN USMumbai Maharathi have denied withdrawing from the Pro Wrestling League (PWL), hours after a statement of their pullout was issued to the media.
Maharathi claimed 'Birbal Sports and Entertainment', who were handling their operations in the league, were behind the circulation of the news of pullout. The owners said they were "shocked and distressed" over the development.
"We were shocked and distressed to see a story circulating in the media that we as a team had withdrawn from the Pro Wrestling League, Season 3, currently on in New Delhi," Mumbai Maharathi owners said in a statement which was signed by all team owners.
"We would like to first categorically and unequivocally state that this story is blatantly false and has been spread by malicious intent and none of the owners has anything to do with it.
"Our investigations have revealed that Birbal Sports and Entertainment, whom we had hired to handle our operations for the league, is behind this story. We have terminated all our relationships with them with immediate effect and relieve them of all their duties.
The team owners also offered an apology to PWL owners. "We would like to once again apologise to PWL and declare that the Mumbai Maharathi players are all eagerly looking forward to our next match on January 20, 2018.
The earlier statement, issued on behalf of the Maharathi, said they had pulled out of the PWL as they were stopped from blocking the 74kg category in a clash against city compatriots Veer Marathas.
The statement alleged Sakshi Malik had opted to block the wrestler in the 74kg category but was not allowed to do so by the organisers "in a clear violation, and claimed "cheating" by the PWL organisers.