India unlikely to be awarded ICC events

India are unlikely to be awarded any major ICC events until the Indian government clears up its tax position. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI president, and Ehsan Mani, the ICC president, spoke to reporters in Delhi and expressed their disappointment about being unable to host major events in India.

According to an AFP report, India may not be allotted the 2006 Champions Trophy. "The 2004 Champions Trophy was supposed to be held in India but it was moved to England because there was lack of clarity in the tax position in India," said Mani. "The 2006 edition is likely to be held in India. But unless the tax positions are clear, the event may not be awarded to India

"The ICC cannot afford to shell out 40 to 50 percent tax for major tournaments like the World Cup or the Champions Trophy," said Mani, referring to the government's entertainment tax levied on all international matches. "The ICC is not a profit-making body. Even the Caribbean governments have waived all taxes for the next World Cup in the West Indies in 2007. If the Indian government does not resolve its tax position, they might not get the next Champions Trophy in 2006. It will be difficult to bring cricket to India."

Dalmiya meanwhile said that he was hopeful the government would change its position. "We're confident the government will listen to us," he said. "If they don't listen, we'll go to the public and tell them the reason for our not being able to host big events. We'll ask the people to support us."