New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) The Supreme Court Thursday referred to a larger bench a petition by former Indian cricket board president A.C. Muthia challenging the amendment to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) rules that permitted its officebearers to own IPL T20 teams.

The apex court bench referred the matter to a larger bench following a divergence of views between Justice J.M. Panchal and Justice Gyan Sudha Misra.

Justice Panchal dismissed the petition challenging the amendment, which permitted BCCI secretary N. Srinivasan to own Chennai Superkings. On the other hand, Justice Misra allowed the appeal saying if Srinivasan wanted to continue to hold the franchise of Chennai Superkings he would have to give up his position in BCCI.

BCCI rules prohibited its officebearers from engaing in activities that conflict with the commercial interest of the cricketing body. However, this provision was amended to facilitate its officebearers from having stake in IPL T20 teams.

Justice Panchal said the matter may be placed before Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia for necessary directions.