BCCI to send consultant Down Under

MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India will soon send its emissary, said to be a tax consultant, to Australia soon. This is intended to sort out the players’ tax issues for money earned during their stay there.

Board officials say most reports in the media are incorrect and that players will not have to pay taxes in both countries. “What is the purpose of double taxation? If they have to pay there, they can get an exemption in India,” said a top official.

The Board has made it clear, though, that the players will abide by the laws. “The BCCI is taking up the matter with Cricket Australia and the matter will be sorted out.

Let me make it very clear that the players will, in no way, hold back from paying their tax,” team manager, Chetan Chauhan was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

“It is a non-issue and the Board is in control of the situation. We will deal with it accordingly,” BCCI treasurer, N Srinivasan told DNA. Secretary, Niranjan Shah did not comment.

Quite unlike the general practice, no memorandum of understanding has been signed between the BCCI and Cricket Australia yet. Sources say that an unsigned document has been sent with the team management Down Under.

According to them, the BCCI has reservations over a few tax-related clauses. One relates to the point that it will also have to cough up some tax for the earnings. The BCCI contends that it does not earn anything from the tour as the prize money and match fee are meant for the cricketers.