Indian Panthers suspension: Companies out of pocket, CEO Parveen Batish alleged to owe thousands of dollars
Pure Athletic owner Chris McKinley told the Herald he was approached by the organisation in February with an urgent request for supporter tees.
'They ordered 1500 tees and we gave them a super price to help them out as they were a new team coming into the NBL.'
McKinley said the total invoice was $21,562.50. He said his business would normally get a 50% deposit for this sort of order, but the Panthers needed it 'urgently' and he was told the money was coming.
More than two months later, McKinley told the Herald his business has not received a single payment, despite the tees being handed out to supporters at games.
He claimed Panthers owner Parveen Batish constantly promised payment via text messages, but didn't follow through.
'I believe this guy Parveen honestly does not care about anybody, he has showed no remorse and just treats people like s***.'
Meanwhile, Auckland-based business Makers Merch has referred the embattled organisation to the Disputes Tribunal, also citing a failure to pay for customised merchandise.
Owner Troy Signal told the Herald he supplied the Panthers with a few thousand units of hand clappers, branded with the organisation's logo.
'Usually what we do is we don't take any orders without payment upfront ... out of goodwill we released the goods so that they would get them before their deadline.'
Signal claimed payment is also more than two months overdue and that Batish had stopped answering his phone calls.
'[It's] a couple of thousand dollars. It's nothing huge, but being a small business operating only nine months ... obviously it's still an amount that does sting us when it comes out of the back pocket.
The Panthers – owned by India's INBL Pro league and Batish – have had a turbulent tenure off the court since announcing they would join the NBL late last year, which in turn has led to a winless season from nine games.
Visa delays for Indian players and national team commitments led to the organisation recruiting New Zealanders to fill in. Originally appointed head coach Miles Pearce also resigned after one game.
In their recent outing against the Canterbury Rams in Pukekohe, the game was called off due to the Panthers being unable to field a full squad. It is understood the team was planning a protest over lack of payment and treatment of players.
Advertise with NZME.
Speaking to the Herald on Thursday, before it was announced the Panthers would be suspended indefinitely, Batish confirmed there were outstanding invoices the organisation needed to pay suppliers.
'We know we're at fault. We have been slow at making some payments and financially we haven't been as professional as we should have been,' Batish said.
Asked if he was aware the organisation had been referred to the Disputes Tribunal, Batish said yes, but he had not heard from any tribunal so far.
'It's not like we're running away, we are here. Sometimes you might have to wait ... He's entitled to do exactly what he's doing and that's okay, but my commitment to him and to you is that they will be paid.
'There has been a timing issue, I've apologised to them profusely for that, but not from a commitment to run away.'
Batish claimed all outstanding invoices would be paid by May 15 – in line with a commitment made to the NBL.
'I've always said to any supplier that has come forward that 100% we will pay you, but right now I'm trying to work out exactly when that would be.'
Asked about other outstanding payments, Batish said he could 'hand on heart' say all New Zealand players from the Panthers had been paid completely.
As for Panthers staff, Batish said they have had some interim payments and were not fully up to date, 'but they will be and they know that'.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

RNZ News
32 minutes ago
- RNZ News
Run It championship relocates from Auckland to Dubai after fierce backlash
RUNIT Auckland. Trusts Stadium. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport The much-maligned 'run it straight' phenomenon is making a move to the Middle East. The Run It Championship League hosted two trial events in Auckland in May, with the final also planned for the city. However, following fierce backlash, and the death of a teenager playing an unofficial game, the organisation has relocated from the final Aotearoa to Dubai, with a date yet to be announced. It made the announcement on its Instagram page which has 180,000 followers. Last month, 19-year-old Ryan Satterthwaite died after suffering serious head injuries playing a casual version of the game in a backyard with friends. The game has been heavily criticised by both New Zealand Rugby and Rugby League as well as several neurologists due to its the risk of brain injuiry. At night two of trials in Auckland, a man appeared to have a seizure after being hit high and slumping to the ground. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.


Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
Electronic Card Transactions: May 2025
Press Release – Stats NZ All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified. Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity. Key facts All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified. Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes. May 2025 month Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the May 2025 month (compared with April 2025) were: spending in the retail industries decreased 0.2 percent ($9.9 million) spending in the core retail industries decreased 0.2 percent ($11 million). Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:


Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
How Data And Technology Could Help Shape Our Future Electricity System
Press Release – Electricity Authority The Authority wants to expand its view of emerging technology so it can remain agile and responsive to changes happening in the sector and adjust the market rules to ensure regulation supports innovation while also protecting consumers interests. The Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority) has released a digitalisation discussion paper 'Our future is digital' to test its ideas on a more data-driven and technology-enabled electricity system that supports consumer mobility, and is calling on the tech sector, innovators and change-makers to contribute. The Authority's General Manager Retail and Consumer Andrew Millar says the paper is an opportunity for industry, the tech sector and innovators to challenge the status quo and imagine how data and technology could shape our future electricity system and the way New Zealanders participate in it. 'It's important we start thinking and planning for our future system now, especially as more options emerge for people to actively engage in how they use and manage electricity in their homes and businesses,' says Millar. 'We know through our Power Innovation Pathway initiative that some organisations are already progressing technology-driven solutions to support a smarter electricity system, and this is really useful,' Millar said. 'But now we're looking for some 'blue sky' thinking on how data and technology could disrupt the market to offer consumers more choices for buying, using, trading and selling electricity – and ultimately to lower the costs we all pay for power. 'The Authority already has some discrete projects underway to enable the underlying market settings. We want to get a better understanding about what's happening across the board, test some key concepts, and find out where people think the challenges and opportunities are. From there, we'll consider what role the Authority and others can play in supporting this transition to a more digitalised electricity system.' Once the Authority has received feedback on its paper, the next step will be a deep dive into the issues alongside interested parties. The Authority will use the engagement outputs to develop a system-wide view and roadmap for change. The Authority wants to expand its view of emerging technology so it can remain agile and responsive to changes happening in the sector and adjust the market rules to ensure regulation supports innovation while also protecting consumers' interests. 'We're thinking ahead to what's next for consumers, and this discussion paper is an important step. We want to engage with and support those involved in developing a smarter electricity system, so New Zealanders can more quickly enjoy the benefits.' This longer-term work feeds into the Authority's immediate priority focus areas. 'A smarter, more digitalised energy system also supports increased consumer mobility – a future where households and businesses are active participants, equipped with data and innovative tools to switch providers, take advantage of new products and services, and share power with others in a system that works for them. 'Adopting new technologies and leveraging data can also strengthen the security and resilience of the electricity supply and increase system efficiencies. This helps to lower the overall cost of supplying electricity over the long term. 'We look forward to hearing more from the industry and others about how to support transitioning the electricity system and the opportunities and challenges it holds,' Millar said. Feedback on the discussion paper must be received by 5pm, Thursday 10 July 2025. We are also open to setting up a call or meeting where you can share your feedback or other ideas. Visit for more information. Visit for more information about the Authority's digitalisation work programme.