Dev was warned his association with the ICL would lead to his sacking

He is reported to be unhappy that the board sacked him last year and withdrew his pension over his decision to champion a rival cricket league.

The former Indian captain and World Cup winner was named on the executive board of the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) in May.

Last year, he insisted he was doing nothing wrong by accepting the post.

He is now reported to have submitted his case to the Delhi High Court after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stopped his pension as a former international player and sacked him as head of the National Cricket Academy.

Media reports quoted his court statement as saying the BBCI had illegally altered its rules to dismiss him.

"The only way of earning a livelihood for us retired cricketers is through the game and the board cannot... deprive us of the benefits," the statement reportedly said.

'Nothing surprising'

Speaking in August after his dismissal from the National Cricket Academy, India's only World Cup winning captain criticised the board's opposition to the league.

"There is nothing surprising with the board's action. This is how they have been functioning for the last 70 years," he told Aaj Tak television channel at the time.

"They have never thought it fit to talk to any player. There is disappointment I will not be able to interact with the young boys."

The ICL's inaugural Twenty20 tournament, featuring retired stars such as Brian Lara and Inzamam-ul Haq, was held in November and December.

The BCCI refuses to recognise the ICL and has banned Indian players involved in it from taking part in official first-class games.

The BCCI's own Twenty20 Indian Premier League - involving top stars from around the world - is due to take place from 18 April 18 to 1 June.