PCB willing to host 2021 Champions Trophy after Indian government tax exemption issues
After learning that ICC failed to receive tax exemptions from the Indian government for 2016 T20 WC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped in with an offer for the ICC to host the ODI event. However, no decision will be taken before the next board meeting that is scheduled in 2019.
Receiving tax exemptions from the host nation's government has been a standard practice for all major sporting events, and going by the trend the ICC had also asked the same from the Indian government for the 2016 ICC T20 World Cup, which was hosted by India. However, the governing body of the game failed to receive the same and was consequently forced to look for new countries in a similar time zone, while simultaneously looking for a breakthrough with the Indian government.
"In other matters, the Board expressed their concern around the absence of a tax exemption from the Indian Government for ICC events held in India despite ongoing efforts from both the ICC and BCCI to secure the exemption which is standard practice for major sporting events around the world," it was stated in an ICC release.
"The Board agreed that ICC management, supported by the BCCI will continue the dialogue with the Indian Government but in the meantime directed ICC management to explore alternative host countries in a similar time zone for the ICC Champions Trophy 2021."
However, latching onto this opportunity, the PCB has expressed their willingness to host the multi-nation tournament. And a source has reportedly informed Geo News that Najam Sethi had also offered the international cricketing body to get tax exemption from the government of Pakistan for the event.
“In the ICC meeting last week, the PCB offered the ICC to host Champions’ Trophy 2021,” a well-placed source confirmed Geo TV.
However, a decision is not likely to be taken before 2019’s board meeting.