Indian cricket authorities have terminated debt-ridden Indian Premier League side the Deccan Chargers for failing to comply with a deadline for overdue player fees.
Among the leading players signed up by the franchise, which won the tournament in 2009 but finished second-last this season, are Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka, South African fast bowler Dale Steyn and Australian batsman Cameron White.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India threw the Kochi Tuskers out of the league last year over their failure to meet financial requirements.
A separate attempt to eject the Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab in 2010 over murky ownership disputes was blocked after a court battle.
The IPL has become a major event in the international cricket calendar, attracting the world's most exciting players to entertain large domestic audiences.
But it has also been hit by a series of financial scandals, and its founder Lalit Modi was sacked in 2010 following allegations of corruption and money-laundering.
The sixth edition of the IPL will be held in April-May next year.
