ICC to study UK’s tax exemption model for UEFA

The matter was discussed at ICC’s Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee meeting on Wednesday.

Amitabh Chaudhary stressed that when it comes to India, it’s not only the finance, but the interest of the game must also be looked into. (File Photo)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) plans to study the tax exemptions given by the UK government to UEFA for Champions League football matches in order to prepare a roadmap for future ICC tournaments.

The matter was discussed at ICC’s Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee meeting here on Wednesday. “The management of ICC is studying the kind of tax concessions that UK gives to UEFA for Champions League and see whether a parallel can be drawn,” BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary told reporters.

The BCCI reiterated its stand that it was trying to work out a solution for tax exemptions with regards to future ICC tournaments in India, like the 2021 Champions Trophy and 2023 ODI World Cup. The ICC has already informed India that stringent tax structures could lead to shifting of global tournaments from India.

READ: ICC Board likely to ratify 2019 World Cup schedule

“The matter is not closed, please understand,” Chaudhary said. “The matter is still under consideration. As you know, tax matters take long, even assessments take long, very long. Don’t worry,” he said.

The former top cop stressed that when it comes to India, it’s not only the finance, but the interest of the game must also be looked into.

Asked about the ICC’s stance on changing the 2021 Champions Trophy from ODI to a T20 format, Chaudhary said, “Yes, there is pressure from the broadcasters to tweak the format from ODIs to T20, making it a 16-team event. However, I believe every tournament has its signature and people relate Champions Trophy to 50-over format. I would obviously give my view at the ICC Board meeting, tomorrow.”