The franchise agreement for the Jaffna Kings has been terminated after the franchise owner failed to meet its financial obligations, just a week after the franchise owners were arrested over allegations of match-fixing linked to the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

Innovative Production Group (IPG), the tournament rights holder of the Lanka Premier League, said the agreement with Sports Commune, which held the franchise rights for the Jaffna Kings, had been terminated following the franchisee’s inability to fulfil its financial obligations under the terms of the agreement.

The development comes a week after Indian authorities arrested the owners of the Jaffna Kings franchise over allegations of attempting to influence LPL matches. However, IPG said the franchise agreement was terminated due to the franchisee’s failure to meet its financial obligations and did not state that the decision was related to the ongoing criminal investigation.

As a result of the termination, all rights relating to the Jaffna Kings franchise have reverted to IPG, which, together with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has assumed full operational control of the team.

IPG confirmed that the sixth edition of the LPL will proceed as scheduled and that the Jaffna Kings will continue to participate in the tournament under the same name.

To ensure the uninterrupted operation of the franchise, IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket have taken full responsibility for all player, coaching staff and support staff contracts.

The organisers also said all logistical arrangements for the team have been secured, ensuring the squad remains intact for the tournament.

According to IPG, approximately 90% of player and staff payments have already been completed, with the remaining payments to be settled in accordance with contractual commitments.

IPG CEO Anil Mohan said the decision was taken to safeguard the integrity and stability of the tournament.

“While this was a difficult decision, our priority has always been to protect the integrity of the Lanka Premier League and ensure complete stability for our players, coaches, partners and fans,” Mohan said.

“Together with Sri Lanka Cricket, we have acted swiftly to ensure the Jaffna Kings continue to participate in the tournament without disruption. We want to assure everyone that all operational matters, including player contracts, staff commitments and team logistics, are being managed seamlessly.”

IPG and Sri Lanka Cricket said they remain committed to delivering a successful sixth edition of the Lanka Premier League while maintaining professionalism, integrity and transparency for players, teams, commercial partners and fans. (Newswire)

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