CCI rejects complaint against BCCI

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has rejected a plea seeking action against cricketing body BCCI for alleged unfair business practices, saying that necessary steps have already been initiated against the entity.
The fair trade watchdog's latest order came on a complaint filed by Pan India Infra Projects (earlier known as Essel Sports) that charged BCCI of violating competition norms.
The complainant had also sought CCI directive to separate BCCI's regulatory functions and commercial aspects of cricket.
After going through the facts submitted by Pan India Infra, the fair trade regulator in an order dated January 16 said it has already dealt with the issue of abuse of dominance by BCCI after a detailed probe "and there was no necessity of doing another investigation in this aspect".

"The present matter is covered by the earlier order of the Commission, the operation of which has been stayed by the Competition Appellate Tribunal (COMPAT)," the Competition Commission of India (CCI) said.
"... No new prima facie case was made out against the opposite party (BCCI) and no fresh investigation was required to be ordered by the Commission in this case," it added.

In February 2013, CCI had slapped Rs 52.24 crore penalty on BCCI for violating competition norms besides directing it to "cease and desist" from such activities in future.
Following an appeal by BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the matter is before the Competition Appellate Tribunal (Compat).

Meanwhile, the Competition Commission, while rejecting the latest complaint, also observed that the same could be taken up if BCCI continues to indulge in unfair trade practices.
"If the order of the Commission is upheld by the Compat and the abuse of dominance is continued by the Opposite Party (BCCI) despite cease and desist order of the Commission, the applicant would have a right to move the Commission under section 42 of the Act and the Commission shall consider the matter," the latest order said.
According to CCI, in the present information, the informant (Pan India Infra Projects) in the very beginning has stated that it was promoter of Indian Cricket League.

In the February 2013 order, the Commission had touched upon issues related to private cricket tournaments -- Indian Cricket League and Indian Premier League (IPL).
"... Commission in its previous order had already considered all facts concerning organisation of private cricket leagues in India and has categorically observed the role of BCCI as well as the dominance of BCCI in this field," the latest order said.