News

BCCI faces monopoly investigation

The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission has initiated an investigation against the BCCI for threatening players with a life-term ban for joining the Indian Cricket League

Cricinfo staff
06-Sep-2007
The anti-monopoly watchdog in India, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC), has initiated an investigation against the Indian board over its reported threat of a life ban to players joining the Indian Cricket League (ICL).
The MRTPC took suo motu cognizance of press reports and directed its investigative arm, the Director-General of Investigation and Registration (DGIR), to look into the threats, if any, made by the board to players joining the ICL. The DGIR was also asked to investigate the sacking of former cricketers holding positions with the board who had joined ICL.
"Every individual has a right to choose whether he wishes to associate himself with the BCCI or any other organisation", a statement issued by the Indian board had said on August 8. "However, if he associates himself with any other organisation, he will not derive any benefit or be connected to any of our activities in any way."
"Such players should not have any expectations from us," Rajiv Shukla, the board vice-president, had said after a meeting in New Delhi of the board's top officials.
The DGIR, it is understood, will also inquire into the board's refusal to share infrastructure with the ICL. It has been asked to submit its preliminary investigation report within 60 days.
If the investigation reveals that the board is adopting restrictive trade practices contrary to the interest of players, the MRTPC may pass a cease and desist order against it.
The MRTPC's directions come days after the Delhi high court asked public sector companies like Air India and Indian Oil Corporation to refrain from sacking its employees who join the ICL. The court had passed the interim order on August 27, after it was brought to its notice that Indian Oil Corporation and Air India had threatened employees - who are also cricketers - with immediate dismissal if they joined the ICL.
This is not the first time the DGIR would be investigating the BCCI for restrictive trade practices. In 1994, it was asked by the MRTPC to look into agreements between the BCCI had entered into with the players that restrained them from writing in newspapers, magazines and journals. Players were also not entitled to take part in activity related to TV or broadcasting, and they could not publish columns after the completion of any tour. Moreover, the players were not entitled to wear the logo and any form of advertisements on clothes or equipments. They were not entitled to participate in a game other than cricket, or even to play in matches not 'recognized' by the board.
That case saw the board being found guilty and fined.