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Saturday, Sep 08, 2007
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MRTPC orders probe into BCCI ‘threat’

NEW DELHI: The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has initiated an investigation against the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for allegedly threatening players with a life-term ban if they joined the Subhash Chandra-promoted Indian Cricket League.

Taking suo motu cognisance, through reports published in newspapers, the MRTPC has directed its Director-General of Investigation and Registration to look into the “threats.”

Moreover, the MRTPC has directed the DGIR to look into the expulsion of some former cricketers by the BCCI on joining the ICL.

According to sources, the Commission suspects the BCCI is adopting restrictive trade practices, which are banned under the MRTP Act.

As per the Commission’s direction, the DGIR would also inquire into the aspects of the BCCI’s denial to share infrastructure with ICL as all the stadiums and machinery are national assets and none could be prevented from using it, the sources added. The MRTPC has directed the DGIR to submit its preliminary investigation report within 60 days.

In 1994, the DGIR pulled up the BCCI for adopting restrictive trade practices and imposed a fine. In an ex-parte order, the Commission’s single-member bench of Sardar Ali then held the BCCI guilty of adopting restrictive trade practices. If the probe reveals that the BCCI is adopting restrictive trade practices contrary to the interest of players, then the MRTPC may pass a cease and desist order against it. — PTI

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