The Board of Control for Cricket in India has warned its players against joining unapproved competitions in a bid to counter a new league being planned in September.

The Indian Cricket League is being set up by the Essel Group, which controls the country's biggest listed media firm Zee Telefilms, despite the Board refusing permission this month.

"No member association, present or former players deriving monetary or other benefits from the board, including the welfare scheme, shall in any manner associate themselves with the organisation and conduct of such unapproved tournaments/matches," the Board said in a letter to its affiliated teams.

"Any infringement of the above...the members/players will stand to lose all benefits and privileges conferred upon them by the board," it said, referring to incentives such as pensions given to former players by the Board.

Former India captain Kapil Dev [Images] and ex-England skipper Tony Greig have joined the board of the ICL.

Dean Jones, the former Australia batsman, and ex-India wicketkeeper Kiran More are also on the ICL's board while former India batsman Sandeep Patil has joined the league as a coach.

More quit as secretary of Baroda following the board's directive.

"I received the letter from the Board as secretary of the Baroda association," More told Reuters on Monday. "I realised I cannot do both."

The ICL plans a six-team Twenty20 event and hope to field four foreigners and two current India players in each side.