No tax benefits, so no donation: BCCI to CWG

Published>Sun, Aug 01 10 05:37 AM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday turned down Commonwealth Games Organising Committee's request for Rs 100 crore donation, citing the lack of tax benefits from the government. The CWG had written a letter to the Indian board two weeks ago asking for the donation.

"The Committee expressed its inability to agree to the request of the Commonwealth Games to be the lead partner by donating Rs 100 crores," BCCI Secretary N Srinivasan said in a statement, following the board's Working Committee Meeting in Mumbai.

According to sources, BCCI's non-approval came as a result of not receiving any concession from the Income Tax department. Also as per the BCCI constitution, the board cannot become a leading partner for any non-cricketing event, as offered by the CWG in lieu of their donation. The working committee also decided not to give the remaining Rs 12.5 crores of the Rs 25 crores it had accepted to give the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for the same reason. Interestingly, many board members present felt that the Games had ample funding and felt it wasn't utilised properly.

"There was no point in giving 100 crores to CWG after more than 1000 crores have already been spent on the project, which is still not completed. The BCCI doesn't want to get embroiled anywhere, where there are controversies," said a senior member of the board.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has appointed former Olympian Dr Vece Paes as their Anti-Doping officer. Paes, who is the father of Indian tennis player Leander, has been part of the Asian Cricket Council before and has an extensive knowledge of anti-doping matters.

"Paes will educate these players about WADA's anti-doping. It is important that these players get educated about WADA anti-doping policy. We will make sure each player follows the procedure. They should be aware of the do's and the don'ts," BCCI chief administrative office Ratnakar Shetty said.

Support for Isaac

BCCI have also agreed to support New Zealand Cricket chairman Alan Isaac's candidature for the ICC vice-President's post. "The Committee approved the candidature of Mr Alan Isaac, Chairman, New Zealand Cricket, for the post of ICC vice-president," the Board statement said.

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