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We Pay Income Tax Like Corporate Companies: Rajeev Shukla Defends BCCI Over Tax Payments
Follow UsThe BCCI vice president also informed that the jersey sponsors will be finalised for Team India in about 15 days
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is one of the richest sporting bodies in the entire world, rivalling the best and biggest on the planet. As a result, there are always many questions raised about whether the BCCI is paying their share of taxes. The recent decision by the Indian government to levy a 40% tax on Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets has again brought the tax questions in front of the BCCI.
However, the BCCI vice president and veteran politician Rajeev Shukla clarified that while the IPL ticket taxation increase will have its impact, he is hopeful that it won’t lead to a drop in attendance. He also sidelined any questions of BCCI being favoured by the government for tax exemptions.
“BCCI pays income tax like a corporate company. It also pays GST. We don't have any exemptions,” Shukla said at a corporate event, as quoted by India Today.
“We pay thousands of crores of taxes. State associations also pay taxes. And we never take a single rupee grant from the government.”
The vice president also updated about the status of the jersey sponsor, for which the BCCI has floated a tender after Dream 11 had to back out as a result of restrictions issued by the Online Gaming Bill.
“The tender process has been released, and there are a lot of bidders. We will tell you after it's finalised. I think it will be finalised in 15-20 days,” Shukla said in the same event. He also clarified that there is no frontrunner as of now.
“No, there is no name yet. There are a lot of bidders. We will tell you after it's finalised,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shukla was also hopeful of people showing in good numbers for the women’s World Cup, which is starting in India from September 30.
“A lot of efforts are being made [for the World Cup]. The only challenge is that the stadium should be full,” Shukla said.
“Women should also come to watch the game. From our side we are doing everything. The salary is also at par. We are promoting women, organising tournaments, all facilities are being provided. The only thing is that people should come and watch women's games.”