Mumbai, June 17th, 2025: KIBI Sports Pvt. Ltd., a leading digital-first sports ecosystem platform committed to empowering athletes and sports organizations across India, has expressed serious concerns over an unresolved commercial dispute with Punjab De Sher, a participating team in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL).

The issue arises from an official agreement between the two parties, under which Punjab De Sher had engaged KIBI Sports as its exclusive sponsorship agency. KIBI Sports successfully delivered on its mandate, facilitating key sponsorships for the team’s events. However, despite written confirmation of a fixed agency fee, the committed payment was not honored.

KIBI Sports made repeated attempts to engage with the team and amicably resolve the matter, demonstrating its belief in building collaborative relationships within India’s evolving sports industry. Unfortunately, the lack of response has raised important questions about professionalism, transparency, and respect for partnership terms in league structures outside cricket’s top-tier circuits.

In a statement, Sagar Rai, Founder & CEO of KIBI Sports, said: “This is not just about one transaction. It’s about the larger culture we’re building in Indian sports. If startups, vendors, and athletes are expected to deliver, then fair treatment and mutual respect must be non-negotiable. We’re here to build — not just participate.”

This situation is not an isolated incident. Several emerging leagues across India have recently come under scrutiny for delayed payments and ambiguous commitments. These recurring issues highlight an urgent need for accountability, transparent systems, and financial integrity to foster sustainable growth in sports beyond the IPL.

KIBI Sports continues to stand for equitable partnerships, athlete-first initiatives, and a professional ecosystem that respects every contributor — from players to agencies, support staff, and vendors.