BCCI Set To Lock Horns With ICC After Apex Board Deducts $23 million

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to lock horns with the International Cricket Council (ICC) after the apex board credited just $4 million out of $27 million that BCCI was expecting. As per a report in Mumbai Mirror, the BCCI is set to consult Dubai-based English law firm Herbert Smith Freehills. The same firm represented BCCI against Pakistan Cricket Board, which asked BCCI to pay damages for not playing bilateral series. BCCI won the case against PCB.

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BCCI’s failure in getting the tax exemptions is the reason behind ICC deducting the funds. India hosted T20 World Cup in 2016. Earlier this year, there were also reports that the World Cup 2021 might have to be moved out due to tax exemption issue and if the BCCI plays host nation to it, then the board will have to bear tax liability. India will also host 2023 50-over World Cup as well.

BCCI and ICC have been at loggerheads for a long time now. In 2017, the Indian board also contemplated withdrawing from the ICC Champions Trophy. The matter was later sorted but India’s team selection was delayed due to the same reason.

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It is a known fact that India, Australia and England enjoy an upper hand at the apex board but ICC’s recent change has seen India lose their stronghold. The absence of a President for more than two years added to the woes but with Sourav Ganguly taking the charge, increasing BCCI’s share has been one of the primary goals for him.

After being appointed as BCCI’s President on October 23, Ganguly had said that India is supposed to get $372 million from ICC in the five-year circle.

Meanwhile, a report in PTI on Sunday suggested that Jay Shah will be representing BCCI at ICC’s chief executive committee meetings. He was appointed as BCCI’s secretary in October.