ICC asks BCCI to cough up $23 million or lose hosting rights for 2023 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC), which is headed by former BCCI chief Shashank Manohar, had previously reminded BCCI officials earlier in October that the Indian body still owed a certain amount which was to be paid before the start of 2019. Reports have revealed, that the ICC had asked BCCI to cough up roughly US $23 million to compensate them for the tax deductions when India hosted the tournament two years ago and did not get a waiver from the central or state ministry. 

The Indian governing body was reminded of this demand earlier this year in October when it was mentioned in the minutes of ICC’s board meeting in Singapore. Rahul Johri-led BCCI now has less than 10 days left to fulfil the ICC’s demand. If they fail to do so, the international body to will deduct that amount from India’s revenue share for the current financial year. In addition to that, they have also threatened that should India fail to comply, the governing body will look at “other options” to host the 2021 Champions Trophy and the 2023 50-over World Cup, which were supposed to be played in the country in the coming years.

Star TV, who are the broadcast rights holder for all ICC tournaments, had deducted all taxes before paying the global body for the World T20 played in 2016. They also seek to be compensated by the BCCI for the same. However, BCCI officials have asked the ICC to share the minutes of any meeting where it is recorded that India had agreed to tax waiver.

“The ICC hasn’t provided any minutes to the BCCI yet. And now, the ICC is shying away from sharing any minutes because they don’t have any. They just want to recover that money from India. Time and again, Shashank has targeted BCCI for his own personal agenda,” a source told TOI reporters.

The BCCI have also maintained that should ICC fail in sharing the minutes as demanded, no payment will be made to the international body. If they opt to deduct money from India’s revenue, BCCI will also seek legal action.

“It’s become fashionable to blame BCCI. Biting the hand that feeds, eh? Is that what it has come down to? A sports body that has economic value primarily because it feeds on India’s commercial stake in the game is telling India that it cannot host a World Cup? And that too with an Indian heading that organisation right now? What a joke,” a senior BCCI member told TOI.

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