NCLAT Issues Notice in Shikhar Dhawan’s Insolvency Appeal Against Absolute Legends Sports

April 10, 2026 : The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, has issued notice in an appeal filed by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan challenging the rejection of his insolvency application against Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited. The matter has been listed for further hearing on 18 May 2026.

As per the order dated 10 April 2026, the Appellate Tribunal directed the respondent to file its reply within three weeks, with a rejoinder, if any, to be filed within two weeks thereafter. The Bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan (Chairperson) and Barun Mitra (Technical Member) passed the order while hearing Company Appeal (AT) (Ins) No. 594 of 2026.

The appeal arises from an order dated 05 February 2026 passed by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), New Delhi Bench, which had dismissed Dhawan’s application under Section 9 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 seeking initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited, the entity operating Legends League Cricket.

Dhawan had claimed a default of ₹1,24,50,459 towards unpaid player fees under a Player Agreement for participation in the third season of the league held between September and October 2024. The total contractual fee was stated to be ₹2,65,50,000, out of which ₹1,51,87,500 had been paid, leaving the alleged outstanding amount.

While rejecting the plea, the NCLT held that Dhawan failed to establish that the claimed operational debt was due and payable. The Adjudicating Authority noted inconsistencies in the Player Agreement, including absence of a clear execution date and invoices being raised prior to the purported execution. It also observed that sufficient material had not been produced to conclusively demonstrate fulfillment of contractual obligations such as participation and promotional commitments. On this basis, the NCLT found the existence and quantum of debt to be doubtful and dismissed the application, granting liberty to pursue other remedies.

Before the Appellate Tribunal, counsel for Dhawan argued that material on record, including an affidavit evidencing participation, had not been disputed by the corporate debtor and that the NCLT erred in rejecting the application at the threshold stage. Taking note of these submissions, the NCLAT issued notice and scheduled the matter for further consideration.

Cause Title: Shikhar Dhawan v. Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd.
Case No.: Company Appeal (AT) (Ins) No. 594 of 2026
Coram: Justice Ashok Bhushan (Chairperson), Barun Mitra (Technical Member)