Indian cricketers to face tax claims in Australia

The gruelling tour of Australia is set to get even more tough for the Indians as the entire team will be taxed for playing in Australia this summer.

Cricket Australia has sent in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to the BCCI, which has sent the Indian Board into a spin.

According to a change in the tax laws since India's last visit to Australia in 2003, entertainers and sports people working in the country are being taxed for the income they generate.

Indian cricketers would thus be taxed for the present tour from their match-fee which could be to the tune of nearly $1.5 million (approximately Rs 6 crore).

An Indian cricketer will get around $6,200 and $4,000 for a Test and a one-dayer, respectively.

The Indian team media manager MK Shridhar has confirmed that the BCCI is asking for an amendment in the law.

"The taxation issue is being handled in Mumbai. We are in touch with our tax consultants whose advice we would follow," said Shridhar.

Shridhar said Cricket Australia was extending all possible help and the two boards are working to find a solution to the problem.

"It's not that we want to avoid it but we just want to make sure as it is applicable to the cricketers for the first time," Shridhar said.

It is learnt that the BCCI has resolved to bear the tax brunt on themselves and let cricketers have their full match fees in the working committee meeting held earlier this month.

"We do not want cricketers to suffer because of the laws in Australia. If we have to part money and cant avoid it, we would foot the tax from the boards coffers," said a senior Board official.

Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young said Cricket Australia was helpless and the MoU for the tour was inescapable.

"The details of the MoU reflect Australia's tax laws and that's standard of the MoUs we do in Australia. When you are in Australia, the Australian tax law applies," he said.

A few Indian players privately said they were not concerned as long as it was ensured that they will receive their full match fee.