On June 18, 2025, the Bombay High Court dismissed the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) challenge to an arbitral award favoring the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The court upheld two awards—₹384 crore to Kochi Cricket Pvt Ltd (KCPL) and ₹153 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW)—totaling ₹538 crore plus interest and costs
Justice R.I. Chagla clarified that under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, the court cannot re-examine the arbitral merits. The tribunal’s determination of “repudiatory breach” by BCCI stood firm as it was based on correct evidence interpretation
📜 Case Background
- Franchise termination: BCCI expelled Kochi Tuskers after the team missed a required 10% bank guarantee for the 2012 season amid internal delays. Despite this, the board had continued to accept franchise payments
- Legal saga: KCPL & RSW filed arbitration in 2012. The tribunal ruled in 2015, in their favor—KCPL for lost profits, RSW for wrongful encashment
- BCCI’s defence: It argued the arbitrator overstepped, misinterpreted law and facts, and that bank guarantee default justified termination—a claim rejected by the court
🔔 Impact of the Verdict
This ruling is a significant legal blow to BCCI, reinforcing the limited role of courts in arbitration disputes. It emphasizes finality in arbitration and sends a message on careful contract execution. The BCCI now has a six-week window to consider an appeal tradebrains.in.
✅ Final Analysis
With the Bombay High Court upholding the ₹538 crore award, BCCI faces a tough choice: either accept the outcome or challenge it further before a higher court. For Kochi Tuskers, this judgement may finally deliver long-awaited closure and compensation.
