No involvement in cryptocurrency and blockchain tokenization: BCCI to WPL franchise
The BCCI has clarified to the Women’s Premier League (WPL) franchises that they can involve commercial associations with fantasy sports but must avoid involvement with cryptocurrency, gaming, gambling, real money and tobacco sectors. The board has warned that any franchise associating with blocked brands could face strict action.
In what the BCCI calls a commercial workbook, it has instructed all franchisees to submit copies of all commercial agreements ten days before the start of the first WPL season. Cricbuzz accessed the 68-page advice and stated:
“No franchisee shall enter into a partnership or any kind of affiliation with any entity that is in any way connected/related to any entity involved/operating, directly or indirectly, in betting/gambling/gaming with real money/tobacco. Franchisees may partner with entities in the fantasy sports sector.”
In further instructions, the BCCI has pointed out that:
“No franchisee shall enter into a partnership or any form of association with an entity that is in any way linked/related to an entity involved/operating, directly or indirectly, in the cryptocurrency sector. As an obvious consequence, any contractual arrangement with any blockchain -service provider, fan tokens, collectibles, which are directly or indirectly related to the cryptocurrency sector, are a no-no for WPL.”
The first season of the WPL begins on March 4 and runs until the 26th, with franchise rights sold to Adani Group, Indiawin Sports Pvt ltd, GMR–JSW Cricket Pvt Ltd, Capri Global Holdings and Royal Challengers Sports Pvt Ltd.
“Any violations will be dealt with as per the provisions of the disciplinary process” – BCCI
The BCCI has further stated that breach of their rules will result in a penalty as prescribed by the protocols and added:
“These guidelines form part of the WPL regulations and any violations of these guidelines will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the operating rules. Any violations of the clothing and equipment regulations will be dealt with according to the disciplinary process.
“The franchisees should provide full details of the rights and benefits that will be availed by their sponsors, not less than 10 days before the start of the season, as per the franchise leaflet for commercial deliveries, which will be shared by the BCCI.”
The WPL auction took place on February 13, with the likes of Smriti Mandhana, Ashleigh Garnder and Nat Sciver attracting the highest bids.
