Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom
The Indian Panthers have been suspended by the National Basketball League after allegations of contractual breaches by the franchise.
In a statement, the league deemed immediate suspension necessary due to the gravity of the situation and potential impact on the league and its teams.
"It is very disappointing for the Commission to be facing this situation, especially given that following careful due diligence, the original concept was sustainable and so exciting for the league, the game and the fans, both here and in India," said Tracey Garland, commissioner chair of the National Basketball League.
"However, we have had to face the reality that things have not panned out as any party intended."
Garland said an investigation had been launched.
"The Panthers are fully aware of the conditions they must meet for any consideration given as to their future participation, and these will remain confidential while both parties work through this," she said.
The suspension comes after allegations have surfaced on social media of unpaid salaries and growing dissatisfaction in the squad.
The Panthers players did not take the court against Canterbury Rams on Tuesday in protest of the late payments, with the match being postponed.
However, Panthers CEO Parveen Batish told RNZ on Wednesday that the issues had been resolved, acknowledging there had been some delays in salary payments.
"We have been a bit slow in terms of payment, but that has been rectified," Batish said. "The actual amount that was owed was $3200."
The situation escalated on Tuesday evening after former Panthers player Alex Robinson Jr. posted a pointed message on Instagram alleging he had not been paid.
Robinson left the Panthers and joined the Nelson Giants in April.
The Panthers have faced a series of setbacks in their debut season.
The team played without any of the 10 Indian players originally named in the squad in their season opener against the Hawke's Bay Hawks on 12 March due to international commitments.
The Panthers faced another setback in March when head coach Miles Pearce resigned just two days ahead of their first home game.
The team is yet to register a win after nine matches and, since April, has shifted its base from Bruce Pulman Arena in South Auckland to Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre.
"We have been advised by the Panthers today that all players have been paid, including former player Alex Robinson, and that staff and other creditors will be paid by May 15. We hope all of these payments will be made as communicated to us," Garland said.
"In particular, we want the players and staff of the Panthers to know we are treating the alleged breaches seriously, and their interests and the integrity of the competition is our highest priority."
CEO apologises
"I want to apologise to the whole basketball community and to the commission for making everybody's life difficult," Batish said.
"It is not exactly where we wanted to be and, right now, we're going to work with the commission to make sure that we continue on into the future."
Batish had been informed of the conditions the league had set and hoped the franchise would react "positively and move forward".
"Personally, I'm very confident the team will be back, but the decision is obviously out of my hands," he said.
He said he was in touch with Indian players and other imports on the squad, stressing "they're fine."
"I apologise again for us being in this position, but I also want to look forward and say that we know we this can be a fantastic opportunity, which is the whole reason we were here in the first place and the invitation was extended to us," he said.
"I hope that we can fulfill that and show the other teams the real reason why we're here. I'm looking forward to that."
