HC orders BCCI not to act against ICL players

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop intimidating cricketers who have joined the Indian Cricket League (ICL). The court also restrained public-sector undertakings from taking action against players who have aligned with the league.

While passing the interim order - hailed as 'victory for cricket' by some experts - Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul asked public-sector firms, including Air India and IOC, not to dismiss its ICL-affiliated employees.

Essel Sports, the promoter of ICL, had moved the court to restrain BCCI, headed by NCP leader Sharad Pawar, from intimidating its players.

ICL's lawyer Harish Salve said that two PSUs had served termination notices to their executives for joining the league.

"Why should players have swords hanging over their heads?" Justice Kaul said.

Justice Kaul issued notices to the Centre, which effectively owns the PSUs, and the BCCI asking them to submit replies within three weeks.

Justice Kaul also issued notice to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for not allowing the ICL to use Bangalore's Chinnaswamy stadium.

BCCI officials said the court decision was not directed at them. "The court has directed the public-sector undertakings not to terminate the services or take disciplinary action against employees seeking to affiliate themselves with ICL," a BCCI official said. "There were no orders passed or relief granted against the KSCA or the BCCI."

In a statement, BCCI reiterated its stand that "every individual has a right to choose whether he wishes to associate himself with the BCCI or any other organisation." The statement said that if a player chose to associate himself with any other organisation, "he shall not be entitled to derive any benefits from the BCCI or be connected with any of its activities."

Kapil Dev, the chairman of the ICL's executive committee, refused to comment on the order.

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