I hope fairness prevails: Shilpa Shetty

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday adjourned the plea of Rajasthan Royals' owners challenging their expulsion from the Indian Premier League.

Rajasthan Royals' brand ambassador Shilpa Shetty, who was present at the hearing along with co-owner and her husband Raj Kundra, said she is hopeful of getting justice.

"I don't want to say anything, because the process has just begun. I just hope and pray that fairness prevails; that is all I want to say," Shilpa said.

Earlier this month, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings XI were dropped from the IPL because both teams allegedly changed the structure of ownership without informing the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Harish Salve, counsel for Rajasthan Royals, argued that the franchise must be allowed to keep the brand name 'Rajasthan Royals' as it belongs to them and not the BCCI.

Shilpa admitted that cancellation of the franchise has put a lot of pressure on those invested in it.

"We all have been very, very troubled. It is apparent because it is a business," she said.

Asked how strong their defence is, she replied: "We will come to know on Friday."

The Bollywood actress also refused to comment on IPL Kochi, who was given a 30-day extension by the BCCI despite failing to resolve their dispute within the stipulated time.

The IPL Governing Council, after an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue, served a 30-day termination notice to the franchise to sort out its differences failing which it would stand cancelled.

"I am not here to talk about Kochi. I am just here to fight for my team," Shilpa added.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi