Delhi High Court directs public sector units not to sack players joining ICL

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed public sector undertakings (PSUs) not to sack employees, who seek to change their affiliation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

New Delhi, Aug 27 : The Delhi High Court on Monday directed public sector undertakings (PSUs) not to sack employees, who seek to change their affiliation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that in the clash between the two giants, players should not suffer.

In its interim order, the court said the PSUs will not terminate the services or take action against its employees.

ICL counsel Harish Salve told the court that the Indian Oil Corporation and Air India have threatened their sports quota employees with termination of their services if they join the ICL.

While issuing notices to the Central Government and the BCCI, among others, the court today asked them to submit their replies within three weeks.

The court has posted the matter for hearing on October 5.

On August 24, the ICL filed a petition against the BCCI in the Delhi High Court, accusing it of threatening and intimidating them as well as other state organsiations not affiliated to it.

In its petition it said that the BCCI should be stopped from interfering with the ICL's attempts to sign up players for its tournaments.

It further said that the BCCI should not use the name and flag of the country to convince the public that the it represents the nation.

The ICL further claimed that the BCCI had prevented state cricket associations from offering their grounds to the new league. It had also withdrawn benefits, including pension from former and current cricketers associated with ICL.

ANI