Mumbai, December 15
Punjab Kings XI IPL team won respite from the Bombay High Court which rejected an appeal by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) challenging an earlier order which restored the franchise to actress Preity Zinta and her associates.

The court today upheld the contention of Preity Zinta and her associates who denied that the ownership of the franchise had changed and thus they were not in breach of any agreement with the cricket board. After today's court decision a beaming Zinta told reporters outside the court that her stand was vindicated by the judiciary. "We're extremely happy that the judgement has gone in our favour. We can now be part of the IPL...," Preity told reporters. Punjab Kings XI and Rajasthan Royals, the other team to be restored in the IPL by the courts, say they would participate in the players' auction next month. However, the BCCI is yet to give up. Board sources say they are planning to move the SC.