Kings XI Punjab might get suspended from IPL: Here's why
What's the story
The IPL has always been the hotbed of controversy. And when the co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, Ness Wadia was arrested in Japan for possession of drugs, another controversy engulfed the cash-rich T20 league. While his IPL future remains uncertain, it is also being speculated that the franchise could face suspension for their owner's involvement in illegal deeds. Here is all about it.
The story
Wadia sentenced to jail in Japan for illegal drug possession
It was reported a couple of days back that KXIP owner Wadia has been arrested in Japan for illegally possessing drugs. A Japanese court sentenced him to two years in jail. However, the punishment has been suspended for five years. However, The Wadia Group has said that his position as a director of the company will not get impacted.
Operational rules
KXIP could face suspension as per IPL Operational Rules
As per the Operational Rules of the IPL, any team official cannot involve himself in acts that might bring disrepute to the team, the IPL, the governing body or the game as a whole, both on and off the field. Under these rules, KXIP can be suspended. As of now, the matter would first be reported and sent to the IPL commission for investigation.
Quote
Suspension is the best case scenario: BCCI official
"The KXIP are unfortunately looking at suspension as a best case scenario and termination as a worst case scenario due to the conviction of an owner in a criminal case of drug possession," a BCCI functionary told IANS.
Previous instances
Chennai and Rajasthan had faced suspension earlier
Notably, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals had too faced a two-year suspension from the IPL after it was revealed that their owners were involved in betting and corruption. They couldn't participate in 2016 and 2017. The functionary added by saying, "If he was a state cricket official he would have stood disqualified from holding office automatically."
Johri surprised
CEO Rahul Johri surprised at no statement being made
The BCCI's CEO Rahul Johri, meanwhile, was surprised at the fact that no statement had been made or issued on the same. "Are we looking at a scenario where every transgression is becoming an opportunity for someone to try and build friendships at the cost of BCCI's image and the purity of the game and its administration?" he questioned.
What's next?
KXIP eye play-offs spot as IPL 2019 continues
While we wait for the proceedings on this issue against Wadia, KXIP are playing in the ongoing IPL and fighting for the play-offs spot. The side is yet to win an IPL to date, and the players and management would be hopeful of keeping this controversy aside for now and focus at the task at hand. KXIP would lock horns with KKR on Friday.