BCCI could lose ICC 2021 T20 World Cup rights for violating 'tax exemption' deadlines

International Cricket Council (ICC) recently told Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials that it holds right to take away T20 World Cup 2021 from India. blunt warning by ICC comes on aftermath of BCCI failing to secure a tax exemption for tournament from Indian government within  deadline given. Earlier this year, ICC sent out a single-p letter to all cricket boards of ir associate members. letter was directly aimed towards BCCI since India is supposed to host 2021 T20 World Cup and 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.  

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ICC threatens BCCI of losing T20 World Cup hosting rights

As per ESPNCricinfo, ICC has been sending email reminders to BCCI over tax exemptions guidelines. While deadline was reportedly set for a May 18 date, BCCI wanted same to be extended till June 30 due to ongoing coronavirus crisis across country. However, ICC rejected request, citing Indian board already failed to meet earlier deadline of December 31, 2019.

In light of current development, BCCI seems to be unruffled by situation. A BCCI official recently stated that “ ICC can only do brinkmanship”. official added that as per ir contract signed with Star Sports, official broadcaster of ICC events, apex body has to deliver two tournaments in India.

ICC and BCCI also came at loggerheads with each or over same issue when India hosted T20 World Cup in 2016. After BCCI failed to secure a tax exemption from ir government on time, ICC went on to incur reported losses of US$20-30 million. It was later during February 2018 when ICC warned BCCI for first time about possibility of losing out on hosting rights of 2021 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, should Indian board fail to get a timely tax waiver again.

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T20 World Cup and IPL 2020

In or news, ongoing coronavirus disease prompted Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI committee to indefinitely suspend launch of Indian Premier League 2020 (IPL 2020) season. While next T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia between October and vember this year, showpiece event is clouded with much uncertainty due to travel restrictions and coronavirus crisis in Australia. However, BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and apex council member Anshuman Gaekwad recently hinted that IPL 2020 can take up September-vember slot later this year, should T20 World Cup gets shifted to a later date.

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