Thiruvananthapuram:
Kochi Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise mentor and former Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor exclusively spoke to NDTV on the BCCI notice to the Kerala IPL franchise. Tharoor said, "I hope the time given by the BCCI to Kochi will be used well."
The BCCI has given Kochi time till October 21. The Board felt that Kochi franchise needs to resolve power struggle and unanimously form a company and appoint CEO.
Talking on the ownership issue that has troubled the Kochi franchise, he said, "It's a dispute over control, it's an ego issue."
Saying that the Kochi stakeholders were professionals, Tharoor said, "I am hopeful that they will find a solution. They should sit together and resolve the issue at the earliest."
Tharoor reiterated that he mentored the Kochi franchise for the sake of an IPL team in Kerala. He said, "If they need any help, I am willing since I have an experience in mediation from my UN days."
The former Union Minister found an opportunity for Kochi IPL in the sacking of two IPL teams - Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. He said, "Since two teams are out, many players will now be available. Kochi should seize the opportunity."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday terminated the contracts of Rajasthan Royals and King's XI Punjab IPL teams. As a result of this the two teams will be barred from participating in the IPL 4 next year.
BCCI president Shashank Manohar said that the agreements were cancelled for violation of franchise agreement.
"The decision was based on legal opinion received by the Board and on facts", he added.
About the Kochi franchise he said that they have been given 10 more days to settle their disputes as they have not breached any agreement.
The decision was taken during the emergency meeting of the IPL Governing Council in Mumbai.