The events surrounding Lionel Messi’s appearance in Kolkata quickly became a national talking point. For many, the reaction centred on disappointment, anger, or blame. But framing this episode as a failure tied to one individual or one evening misses the point entirely. This was never about Messi. What unfolded was a reminder of a deeper,…
Category: Khel Kanoon
India 2030 Commonwealth Games: Beyond the Opening Ceremony, by Ishaan Michael
India securing the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a moment that’s hard not to celebrate. It’s the kind of headline that lifts the national mood instantly which is a signal that India has arrived, that we can build, organize, and showcase a world-class sporting event on a global stage. But beneath the…
Drafted, Not Dealt: The Jadeja–Samson “Trade” and the Legal Fiction of IPL Transfers, by Ishaan Michael
1. Introduction “Sir Jadeja to Rajasthan Royals.” That single line felt like someone slowly peeled the yellow jersey off my back. As a lifelong CSK fan, born in Ranchi, raised on Dhoni, and now in Laos with only Hotstar and a significant time difference, this one stung. But then, the lawyer in me kicked in….
India Off the Grid: Why Formula 1 Is a Test Case for Law, Policy, and Growth, by Ishaan Michael
1. Introduction From 2011 to 2013, India briefly joined the global Formula 1 calendar. The Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida reverberated with the roar of the world’s fastest cars, and for three seasons the Indian Grand Prix put the country on the global motorsport map. Then, as abruptly as it began, the race was…
Opening the Doors: Why India’s Sports Policy Must Include OCI Athletes, by Ishaan Michael
India is considering allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent the country in sports. This move could transform Indian athletics, football, and more if backed by legal reform and transparent governance. 1. Introduction: A Policy Shift with National Impact India might finally be rethinking who gets to represent the nation in international sport. The…
Pitch Perfect? Crafting a Policy Framework for IPL Home Advantage, by Ishaan Michael
1. Introduction The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season has barely begun, yet it’s already embroiled in a heated controversy over pitch preparation. Kolkata Knight Riders’ head coach Chandrakant Pandit, Chennai Super Kings’ Stephen Fleming, and Lucknow Super Giants’ mentor Zaheer Khan have voiced their frustration over a glaring issue: home teams have little to…
One Sport, Many Federations, No Wins: India’s Governance Gridlock, by Ishaan Michael
1. Introduction In 2012, Indian boxers were caught in a tug-of-war between two federations—neither recognized internationally—leaving athletes in limbo. This wasn’t an isolated crisis; it’s a symptom of a fractured sports ecosystem plaguing India across disciplines like boxing, archery, and table tennis. Rival federations, each claiming legitimacy, spawn a tangle of legal disputes, governance failures,…
Legal Challenges in Esports: An Overview of Intellectual Property, Gambling Laws, and Player Rights, by Baibhav Kumar
Introduction Esports is an emerging sports entertainment field that has recently become a billion-dollar industry, with a current market value of approximately $1.88 billion in 2022 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.8% from 2023 to 2030. Esports break the hindrances created by physical fitness and the traditional sports industry,…
Guest Blog – The Role of Governance in Combating Corruption in International Sports, by Edith Owolabi
In September 2024, five tennis players were sanctioned for breaching the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program. The sanction was linked to a criminal case heard in 2023 involving a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. Cases of corruption like this one have raised pertinent questions about the sanctity of competitions and international sports. For corruption to be tamed there…
The Argument for Regulation in Franchise Cricket: Protecting Players and the Game’s Future, by Bernedene Dsouza
Franchise cricket has emerged as a key element of contemporary cricket, captivating audiences and offering athletes lucrative prospects. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Big Bash League (BBL) and the expanding Legends League, franchise cricket has significantly enhanced the sport’s commercial and entertainment appeal. It has opened doors to previously unexplored markets, provided…
LAWBEES 