KPL owners demand change of dates

Citing various reasons, including the threat of rain during that period, six of the eight franchises have written to the KSCA saying the dates allotted for the tournament are not acceptable to them.

Reacting to the development, KSCA secretary Javagal Srinath sounded confident that an amicable solution would be found.

“The period (September 1-15) is a rainy season in our State. The matches, if held, at this time will be considerably disrupted if not altogether washed out,” said the letter signed by Provident Bangalore, Belagaavi Panthers, Bijapur Bulls, Mysore Maharajaas, Malnad Gladiators and Davangere Diamonds.

The franchises also fear that the BCCI Corporate Trophy, which clashes with KPL 3, will rob them of the services of some star Karnataka players. The teams’ other concern is the lack of time to promote the tournament. “There is insufficient time to promote KPL 3. We believe a minimum 90-day period is required to market and popularise the event.”

The franchisees, however, aren’t averse to scheduling the tournament early next year.

“Unlike last year when the World Cup prevented the KPL from being held in February, we find that the early part of that month next year presents the best window to conduct the event. We therefore seek a change of dates for the benefit of our State players and in order to promote the game across Karnataka,” the letter concluded.

In another letter, which also has sponsors Mantri Developers as one of the signatories, the KSCA has been blamed for not doing enough to promote the tournament. "KPL 2010 was organised like gully cricket, wherein neither the cricketers nor the franchisees derived any benefits," stated the letter, adding that there had been ‘indications’ from the KSCA of a refund to the tune of Rs 30 lakh per franchisee.

The refund, the owners said, never materialised. The owners are now pinning their hopes on the subsequently elected Anil Kumble-led dispensation at the association.

Srinath, meanwhile, assured that the issue of dates for KPL 3 would be discussed to find a way out but made it clear that BCCI events would be given the priority. “They (franchisees) have sent us a letter. We will discuss their issues and get back to them. But BCCI tournaments will always be given priority. As for rains, it could rain anytime and that's no reason for postponement,” he remarked.