da bet7k： The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) faces the prospect ofa possible legal dispute with Taj Television, a Dubai-based sportsbroadcaster, if it fails to recognise a three-year television andsponsorship contract signed in October
Charlie Austin03-Sep-2003The Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) faces the prospect ofa possible legal dispute with Taj Television, a Dubai-based sportsbroadcaster, if it fails to recognise a three-year television andsponsorship contract signed in October 2001.According to BCCSL sources, the executive committee is close to an agreementthat will see the Singapore-based WSG Nimbus reinstated as the BCCSL’stelevision and sponsorship rights holder for the forthcoming England tour ofSri Lanka.But Taj Television, who have already sold television feeds to Sky Sports forthe series, and are currently selling the title and other sponsorshiprights, are adamant that their contract, due to run until 2004, cannot justbe brushed aside. “We have a contract with the BCCSL that is legal andbinding,” said Jude de Valliere, spokesman for Taj Television, in Colombo.The deal being brokered is designed to save the BCCSL from a potentiallycrippling US$11 million damages claim after a Singapore arbitration courtruled that the board – led at that time by a government-appointed interimcommittee – had cancelled a contract with WSG Nimbus “unlawfully andillegally” in 2001 for allegedly missing payment deadlines.”What we are hopeful to do is reduce the US$11 million damages claimed on usand ensure that future matches are televised,” Mohan de Silva, the BCCSL’ssecretary, told AFP. “The talks have been going very well and we are hopeful ofreaching an amicable settlement within a week.”The BCCSL is expected to argue that the Taj Television contract is “null andvoid” because it was not signed with a properly elected executivecommittee – even though the interim committee, which had sought the adviceof the Attorney General, had been invested with government authority.