The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken Think & Learn, the parent company of the educational technology giant Byju’s, to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The case was filed on September 8 and officially recorded on November 15, with hearings scheduled for November 28 and December 22. A spokesperson from Byju’s mentioned, “We are engaging in discussions with BCCI to resolve the issue, aiming for a swift resolution”. Argus Partners, a law firm, is providing counsel to BCCI in this matter, while there has been no response to an email inquiry sent to BCCI.

While specifics about the case remain undisclosed, reports indicate it revolves around a disagreement linked to the sponsorship of the Indian cricket team’s jerseys. This situation arises subsequent to Byju’s earlier decision to end its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team jersey, emphasizing a shift towards achieving profitability. The edtech company is presently engaged in strategic restructuring and leadership reorganization aimed at boosting operational efficiency, curbing losses, and achieving profitability. Byju’s intends to reduce its workforce by laying off approximately 4,000 employees, which accounts for more than 11% of its total employees, within the forthcoming weeks.

Arjun Mohan, who was recently appointed as CEO of Byju’s India business, leads the restructuring efforts. Earlier this year, Byju’s chose not to renew significant branding partnerships with BCCI, ICC, and FIFA, all due for renewal in 2023. In June, gaming company Dream11 replaced Byju’s as the jersey sponsor of Team India in a deal valued at Rs 358 crore after Byju’s prematurely terminated its contract with BCCI. This latest legal case surfaces as Byju’s grapples with multiple challenges, including securing new capital, delays in financial reporting, and legal disputes with lenders. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued a show cause notice of Rs 9,362 crore to Think & Learn and Byju Raveendran over alleged violations of foreign exchange regulations.