BFI vs INBL Legal Battle Escalates

While the latter has been asked to deposit a sum of Rs 5 Crores with BFI and barred from conducting any matches, the former has been restrained from opening the latest tender bids

With both sides digging in their heels, basketball fans in India will be keenly watching how the BFI vs INBL battle plays out in Indian courts.

What’s the matter?

INBL or ‘Indian National Basketball League’ was touted as India’s flagship basketball league launched in partnership with the previous regime of Basketball Federation of India (BFI).

The new regime of BFI, that took control in 2023, alleges that the entire agreement itself is ‘void’ (or invalid), and is aiming to launch new national leagues of its own.

Delhi High Court

It all started with BFI’s petition in the Delhi High Court, where on May 9, the court restricted INBL from using the phrases “India”, “Indian Team” and “Select Indian Team” in the context of its exhibition game hosted on May 10.

While the exhibition game was allowed to be held, the Court asked INBL to deposit a sum of Rs 5 Crores with BFI and was barred from conducting any further matches. In other words, as things stand, INBL is currently in limbo, with its activities restricted to non-match promotional events.

The next date of hearing is on July 29, and INBL will be hoping that the court lifts the stay on the conduct of its league. The timelines are especially nerve racking, since INBL has announced its intention of launching its Pro League in August.

Karnataka Civil Court

Now, following the release of BFI’s latest tender notices for launch of ‘National Star Basketball Leagues’, INBL too has gone on the offensive, challenging the same.

On May 28, INBL was able to get an interim order from the Karnataka Civil Court restraining BFI from the opening of the tender bids, until the next date of hearing, which is June 10.

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As both these cases progress, keep tuning into Ekalavyas.com for the latest updates.

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