Former India captain Kapil Dev [Images] pleaded before the Delhi [Images] high court on Friday that the Board of Control for Cricket in India be directed to release pensions due to him and other players who joined the breakaway Indian Cricket League.

He accused the BCCI of adopting delaying tactics in the legal proceedings after it sought adjournment in the matter.

He appeared before the Registrar (high court) for cross-examination by the BCCI over allegations levelled by him against the Board for allegedly taking punitive action against him and his ICL colleagues.

The Board, however, sought adjournment saying that due to the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and the then prevailing uncertainty over the England [Images] tour, it could not find sufficient time to prepare for the cross-examination.

"BCCI is not concerned about cricketers who served the nation but shows more concern about the on-going series between India and England," Kapil claimed.

"I just seek that pension of my colleagues be released. They are suffering due to Board's action," he alleged, adding, "the Board keeps taking dates in the matter and the proceeding is being delayed due to it."

The BCCI, however, refuted the allegations and contended that this was the first time that an adjournment was sought in the matter.

The Registrar, after heated arguments between advocates appearing for both Essel Sports Pvt Ltd, promoters of the ICL, and the BCCI, adjourned the cross-examination of six witnesses, including Kapil Dev and former BCCI selector Kiran More.

It fixed the cross-examinations for Kapil and others on January 16.