‘Anti-competitive’ BCCI fined Rs 52 cr

New Delhi : Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for anti-competitive conduct and directed it to allow the organisation of domestic cricket leagues by non-members.
The regulator on Wednesday said the BCCI had been fined Rs 52.24 crore for its assurance to the broadcasters of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that it “shall not organise, sanction, recognise, or support another professional domestic Indian T20 competition that is competitive to IPL, for a sustained period of 10 years”.
The CCI further said the restriction was pursued to enhance the commercial interest of the bidders of IPL broadcasting rights and the consideration in turn received by the BCCI.
“The BCCI shall not place blanket restriction on organisation of professional domestic cricket league or events by non-members,” the CCI order said.
“This shall, however, not preclude the BCCI from stipulating conditions while framing or modifying relevant rules for approval or while granting specific approvals, that are necessary to serve the interest of the sport. Such changes shall entail norms that underpin principles of non-discrimination and shall be applied in a fair, transparent and equitable manner…,” the order read. “Besides, BCCI shall take all possible measure(s) to ensure that competition is not impeded while preserving the objective of development of cricket in the country,” it said. The CCI asked the BCCI to file a report on the compliance of its directions within 60 days from the receipt of the order.