NEW DELHI - An Indian court has directed the national cricket board to stop taking action against players joining an unapproved Twenty20 competition.
"Players should not suffer in a fight between two giants," the Delhi High court said on Monday in an interim order on a petition bythe Indian Cricket League (ICL).
The court also issued notices to state cricket associations as well as state-run firms who are threatening action against their players if they join the ICL.
The ICL had petitioned the court to prevent the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from interfering in its activities or acting against players signing up for it.
The next court hearing is scheduled for the last week of September.
The league, promoted by the influential Essel Group which owns the nation's largest listed media firm, Zee Telefilms Ltd, has roped in retired West Indies batting stalwart Brian Lara, as well as four Pakistan players, including former skipper Inzamam-ul Haq.
Pakistan batting mainstay Mohammad Yousuf, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and batsman Imran Farhat have also signed up along with many Indian domestic players.
The Indian board have barred players who have signed up with the league, planned to be launched in October.
The tussle between India's cash-rich board and the ICL has made media headlines daily, amid reports that more foreign players, current or retired, could also join them.
