Chennai Super Kings planning to appeal IPL suspension

CSK along with Rajasthan Royals has been banned for two seasons in the IPL

Chennai Super Kings’ owners have indicated that they are likely to appeal the punishment handed out to them by the Lodha panel, ESPNcricinfo reported. The Supreme Court appointed three-member panel delivered its verdict in the IPL spot-fixing case on Tuesday and handed CSK along with Rajasthan Royals, two years suspension from the T20 league.

The decision, however, is subject to judicial review and both teams have the option to appeal the punishments handed out to them. Deccan Chronicle had reported yesterday that the CSK team management were unsure about the appeal procedure as the verdict had named India Cements Ltd and not Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (the present owners) in handing out the punishment.

Speaking on Tuesday in the aftermath of the IPL verdict, a CSK official said: “We have to go through the full order copy and consult with our legal staff on our next course of action. We are likely to take the call only on Wednesday. We have to get a clarification on whether we can appeal as Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited or only India Cements Ltd has the rights.”

A senior official of India Cements has however made their intention clear by stating that they are left with no other option but to appeal.

“Clearly we will appeal to the Madras High Court. We will appeal to reduce the proportion of the punishment,” he said adding that he hoped to get a verdict in CSK’s favour. “It would be good to get an injunction. Otherwise, we don’t have any option but to shrug it off and stay away for two years. What else can we do?”.

No reaction from Rajasthan Royals yet

The Rajasthan Royals team management are keeping their cards close to the chest with regards to their next move. No public comments have been made till now but ESPNcricinfo reports some BCCI officials as saying that they expect the Royals to appeal as well. Jaipur IPL Cricket Limited, the holding company of the franchise, has no other business interests and a feeling of financial insecurity will push them to appeal the verdict.