The Gauhati High Court (HC) today restrained the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from “taking a final decision” on the tender floated on October 14 for selection of new teams for 2013 IPL tourney.
A single judge of the high court, B D Agarwal also sought a response of the Centre, BCCI and the Assam Cricket Association on a PIL filed by Ghisa Lal Agarwal, editor of a vernacular daily challenging non-inclusion of any team from Guwahati in the 12 teams short-listed for participating in the bids.
However, the court said BCCI may go ahead with the process for selection of teams which would be subject to it final orders.
The petitioner had submitted that Guwahati, despite being the gateway of north eastern states with better infrastructure and facilities, has not been included in the auction process for IPL teams.
It was submitted that exclusion of Guwahati from the new teams is an act of discrimination by BCCI which is recognised by the government of India as it is undertaking public duties and functions in the matter of cricket game.
The court, after holding that there was a prima facie case for entertaining the PIL, issued notices to the respondents for their replies by November 11.