Delhi HC to PSUs: No action against ICL players

The Delhi High Court today asked public sector firms like Air India and Indian Oil Corporation not to dismiss employees who switch over to Indian Cricket League (ICL) from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The court passed an interim order after it was brought to its notice by ICL counsel Harish Salve that IOC and Air India have threatened employees with termination of services if they join ICL.

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul passed the direction on a suit filed by Essel Sports, the promoter of ICL, seeking a direction to BCCI not to intimidate players who join ICL.

"The public corporations will not terminate the services or take action against its employees (those playing for BCCI) by reason of seeking to affiliate themselves with ICL," Kaul said.

The court also issued notices to central government and BCCI among others on the suit filed by Essel. They have been asked to submit their replies within three weeks. The court posted the matter for hearing on October 5.

The Court said in the fight between two giants players should not suffer. "Why should players have swords hanging over their head?" it asked.