The long-standing tax problem between the ICC and BCCI has been a central subject for discussion as members of the governing body met via teleconference on Thursday for a pre-scheduled meeting of the board. This has contributed to the awkward exchange of e-mails between the two organizations.
The meeting started at 03:30 p.m. IST and ended in less than two hours that indicate “the whole matter of tax remedies, email exchanges between the ICC and the BCCI and media coverage around the entire episode must be seriously reexamined.”
The meeting has now been postponed until 10 June when the ICC declaration states that the issue of tax solutions will be separately reviewed under the leadership of ICC’s ethics officer. The Board will be revised on 10 June by ICC CEO Mr. Manu Sawhney.
Who Are The IBC Members Who Have Said That?
In one of its emails, the ICC claimed that its members have not prepared to consider the proposal by the BCCI to extend the deadline for providing tax solutions “until a month later, or 30 days after the lockdown is imposed.”
ICC members have not prepared to agree to extend the time to provide tax solutions. This led to a big controversy that was at the center stage of the Thursday meeting.
“Are there records that prove that? Is there evidence?” individuals asked about this matter. “Who are IBC leaders who said that?”
On April 7, just two weeks after India’s Prime Minister declares a 21-day national lockdown which remains in effect, the first email from ICC to BCCI. ‘Clause 10.20 clearly requires of BCCI, no less than 18 months prior to commencement of the event T20 World Cup by 2020, to provide an unconditional assurance to the IBC on tax solutions,’ the letter said.
‘There has a national lockdown and no movement in the country eighteen months prior to the event to October-November 2021 meant April 17th, BCCI responded that there would be a national lockdown and that there would be nothing movement there and thus demanded an extension to the deadline. Where is the problem? So, what is important right now, cricket or fighting with COVID? Sources said.
The ICC Is Demanding Answers From India:
The ICC said then that BCCI request for an extension was refused by the IBC but it did not share who said so in the IBC. Furthermore, no document to discuss these statements made by the IBC was issued by the governing body.
The ICC needs the government of India to look at crickets and world cup prospects at a time when lives are on the edge, hospitals in India have transformed into a hub for any emergency, the hub of the health ministry and state struggle to accommodate patients and confusion around grieved migrants.
When does India say it will be resolved once the lockdown is over, where is the problem? Or has the BCCI word reached a stage that does not carry any more in international cricket circles?
This is for the government, and it is not right, especially in severe circumstances, “sources said”. Are they questioning the intentions of the Indian government here?
“First, the fact that India is hosting the 2021 event is not true. Understand Cricket ‘s demand from Australia. Rather than clarifying this, the ICC demands answers from India. Isn’t the ICC answerable to cricket fans?” he added.
Media spokes to four directors about the IBC and they all declined to be aware of any information concerning tax solutions. In reality, one director says: “I have no idea what this means. All I can share is that I got a call a few days ago from one of the board members, who informed me that the tax solutions are going to be a big issue.”
ICC STATEMENT:
On 10 June 2020, following a discussion led by President Shashank Manohar on secrecy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board met today on a teleconference to postpone all items on its Agenda.
A number of board members have recently expressed their concerns about this matter and feel that urgent attention is needed to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the board’s matters in accordance with the highest governance standards.
The ICC’s Ethics Officer and global experts backed a joint decision to begin an independent investigation immediately. During its next meeting on 10 June 2020, the Board will be informed by the ICC CEO.
The Board also requested the ICC management to continue its talks to stakeholders in view of the rapidly changing public health situation caused by the COVID-19 virus, to discuss various contingency options.
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