PIL filed in SC to direct BCCI to discontinue Australia tour

New Delhi, Jan 16 (UNI) A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking directions to the BCCI to discontinue the ongoing cricket tour of Australia by India following the humiliation of the Indian team by the Australian team and the International Cricket Council (ICC) during the second test match in Sydney.

The PIL filed by one Prince Lenin also sought directions to the BCCI not to use the name of India in any cricket tournament, either national or international in future as the BCCI, which has a monopoly status in cricket, failed to protect the honour and dignity of the country as well as its players.

According to the petitioner, the BCCI remained a mute spectator for economic consideration when the country and its players were being falsely condemned for alleged racist remark.

The petitioner contended that the BCCI stands blinded by its economic interests and has not cared to act formally and decisively to protect the honour and dignity of the country.

The petition, which will be heard on January 28, has also prayed to the apex court to debar the BCCI to participate and organise any cricket tournament by using the name 'India'.

The petitioner also pleaded to debar those who have not played cricket and made no contribution to a particular sport from contesting elections for the purpose of being office bearers of sports organisations representing India at the international forum.

The petition was mentioned for urgent hearing today before the bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan.

UNI AKS/SC SW RP BD1615