MCA's T20 league in jeopardy? Now, that's a probability

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The third season of the T20 Mumbai League hangs in the balance after all eight franchise owners shot off a letter to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), stating that they would not like to participate if the league continues to be managed by Probability Sports, the company chosen by MCA to run the league.

On Tuesday, in a meeting between Probability Sports, MCA's Apex Council members and the teams, including the two franchises - Sobo SuperSonics and Shivaji Park Lions - who were recently terminated by Probability Sports for non-payment of dues, the team owners said that they wanted MCA to run the league, alleging that there is a lack of transparency in dealing with Probability Sports.

On the other hand, Probability Sports clarified at the meeting that they have furnished all the necessary financial details pertaining to the second season.

Interestingly, Uday Shinde, the state Accountant General appointed in the MCA Apex Council, did not attend this meeting as he was not marked on the email notifying members to attend.

However, with the team owners persisting with their demand, the MCA decided to form a governing council as mandated in their new constitution.

In such a scenario, Probability Sports, who were the whole and sole of the league, could be hired by MCA as marketing agents of the league. It is learnt that Probability Sports will revert to the MCA on this proposal. For now, Probability Sports are paying MCA approximately R3 crore per season.

Meanwhile, sources in MCA said that Sobo SuperSonics, who were runners-up last season, have alleged that Probability Sports did not pay them the prize money of Rs 50 lakh. Probability Sports however, claimed that Sobo SuperSonics have defaulted on paying TDS [Tax Deducted at Source] and also presented a cheque for the hospitality box that eventually bounced.

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