The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a `52-crore fine on the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) for the abuse of its dominant position in the organization of professional domestic cricket leagues or events in the country.The penalty follows BCCI’s assurance to broadcasters of the Indian Premier League (IPL) that it will not organize, sanction, recognize, or support another professional domestic Indian T20 competition that is competitive to IPL for a sustained period of 10 years.In its 44-page order, CCI said the “clause in the IPL Media Rights Agreement has been pursued by BCCI consciously to protect the commercial interest of the bidders of broadcasting rights as well as the economic interest of BCCI.”In February 2013, the CCI had slapped a fine of `52.24 crore on the BCCI, but the penalty had been set aside by the appellate tribunal on the principles of natural justice and the competition watchdog was asked to reconsider.CCI has confirmed the penalty for contravention of the provisions of Section 4 of the Act after further investigation by the investigating arm, the director general.CCI has held that the restriction had no link with the legitimate interest of cricket in the country. “Rather, the restriction was pursued to enhance the commercial interest of the bidders of IPL broadcasting rights and the consideration in turn received by BCCI,” the CCI said.It noted that the denial of market access is one of the severe forms of abuse of dominant position. The CCI order has directed BCCI to “cease and desist” from indulging in such conduct and not place blanket restrictions on the organisation of professional domestic cricket leagues or events by non-members.The commission didn’t find merit in the argument that there’s no actual instance of refusal to any proposal for organising domestic leagues similar to IPL. “After assuming monopoly of IPL for a sustained period of ten years by excluding all potential competition, there is no reason for BCCI or anyone to expect a proposal for organisation of a similar league,” the regulator said.CCI has said that BCCI has to take all possible measures to ensure that competition is not impeded while preserving the objective of development of cricket in the country.It has, however, also clarified that the cricket body can stipulate conditions while framing or modifying relevant rules for approval or while granting specific approvals necessary to serve the interest of the sport.