Is IPL a commercial or sports activity: Bombay HC

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Friday sought to know from Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament was a sports or commercial activity. The court further asked MCA whether it had taken water from BMC for ground and pitch maintenance during IPL this year.

A division bench of justice Abhay Oka and justice Vibha Kankanwadi was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Loksatta Movement in 2016 which raised concerns about water usage for ground management during IPL at a time when the state was facing severe drought. In April 2016, the high court had directed BCCI to shift all IPL matches to be held in Maharashtra post April 30 outside the state due to acute drought.

On Friday, the bench sought to know from MCA, which manages Wankhede stadium in south Mumbai, if it had taken water from BMC for ground and pitch maintenance during IPL matches this year. The court said, "We would also like to know from MCA if IPL is considered a sports activity or a commercial activity.”

The question was posed after it was pointed out to the court that as per a government policy, water supply was divided on priority basis into four categories. As per the policy, supply of water for drinking purposes came first and supply of water for events such as shahi snaans came last. “Category C in the policy says water supply for industrial and commercial purposes. So does IPL fall under this category? Is it a commercial activity?" Justice Oka questioned.The court directed MCA to file an affidavit also detailing which other activities are held at Wankhede stadium and if they are sports or commercial activities. The court posted the petition for further hearing on August 14.