The slugfest between BCCI and rival ICL has taken a new twist, with anti-monopoly watchdog Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission initiating an investigation against the cricket board for threatening players with a life-term ban for joining the Subhash Chandra-promoted league.

Taking suo moto cognizance of reports published in newspapers, MRTPC has directed its investigative arm Director General of Investigation and Registration (DGIR) to look into the threats given by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to players who join the Indian Cricket League.

Moreover, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission has directed DGIR to look into the expulsion by the board of some former cricket who had joined ICL.

According to sources, the commission suspects BCCI is adopting restrictive trade practices, which are banned under the provisions of the MRTP Act. As per the Commission's direction, DGIR would also inquire the aspects of BCCI's refusal to share infrastructure with ICL, as all the stadiums and machinery are national assets and none could be deprived from using it, the sources added.

MRTPC has directed its DGIR to submit its preliminary investigation report within 60 days. It may be recalled that in 1994, the DGIR had pulled up the BCCI for adopting restrictive trade practices and imposed a fine.

If the current investigation reveals that the cricket body is adopting restrictive trade practices contrary to the interest of players, then MRTPC may pass a cease and desist order against BCCI.

MRTPC's directions come days after the Delhi High Court asked public sector companies like Air India and IOC to refrain from sacking players who join the ICL. The Court had passed the interim order on August 27, after it was brought to its notice that Indian Oil Corporation [Get Quote] and Air India have threatened employees with immediate dismissal if they join the ICL.

In 1994, MRTPC had also asked DGIR to look into agreements the BCCI had entered into with the players, per which BCCI had restrained players from writing in newspapers, magazines and journals.

Players were also not entitled to take part in activity related to TV or broadcasting, and they could not publish columns after the completion of any tour.

Moreover, the players were not entitled to wear the logo and any form of advertisements on clothes or equipments. They were not entitled to participate in a game other than cricket, or even to play in matches not 'recognized' by the board.