The Competition Commission of India has levied a penalty of ₹52.24 crore on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for abuse of its dominant position.

“The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has found BCCI to be in contravention of the provisions of Section 4(1) read with Section 4(2)(c) of the Competition Act, 2002 (Act),” said an official release on Wednesday.

The order was passed after investigations showed that it had promised broadcasters of Indian Premier League that it would not organise, sanction, recognise, or support another professional domestic Indian T-20 competition that is competitive to IPL, for a sustained period of 10 years.

“After a detailed investigation by the Director-General, the CCI found that BCCI enjoys a dominant position in the market for organisation of professional domestic cricket leagues and events in India,” said the release, adding that since BCCI is recognised as an enterprise it falls within the purview of the Competition Act.

CCI held that while sports federations help in the development of sports, the restriction on similar T-20 events did not help the legitimate interest of cricket in the country and was only for the commercial interest of bidders of the IPL broadcasting rights and BCCI.

It has, accordingly, asked BCCI to not place blanket restriction on organisation of professional domestic cricket league and events by non-members and to cease and desist from indulging in such conduct.

“BCCI shall issue appropriate clarification regarding the rules applicable for organisation of professional domestic cricket leagues and events in India, either by members of BCCI or by third parties, as well as the parameters based on which applications can be made and would be considered,” the CCI has said, adding that the cricket body will also take all possible measures to ensure that competition is not impeded.

It will also file a compliance report with the CCI within 60 days of receipt of the order.

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