PIL filed in Madras HC seeking government takeover of BCCI, IPL

MADURAI: A PIL was on Wednesday filed in the Madras High Court bench here seeking to direct the government to take over the management and administration of the Indian Premier League and Board of Control for Cricket as it had "failed" to promote the game.

In his petition, city-based lawyer V Santhakumaresan alleged that conduct of certain activities and receipt of income were totally commercial and there was no element of charity in the conduct of BCCI.

The surplus generated by BCCI was shared with players instead of being used for promoting the game, he claimed.

The court should direct CBI to conduct investigation into the entire affairs relating to sources of income, financial status, betting, and match fixing, Santhakumaresan said.

BCCI should desist from using the name "Indian Cricket team" for its team till disposal of the petition, the petitioner said.

He also sought a stay on the IPL 20-20 matches to be held from today till May 26.

A Division Bench of Justices M M Sundresh and R Mala ordered issue of notice to the Secretary, Department of Culture and Youth Affairs, IPL Chairman, BCCI President, among others, returnable by June six.