Indian cricket board confident of retaining 2021 T20 World Cup hosting rights

The Indian cricket board is not worried about losing hosting rights for next year's Twenty20 World Cup due to taxation issues.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have been in serious discussions over the tax exemption status of the 2021 T20 World Cup, which is a key issue for the world body.

The ICC has stated that getting a tax exemption is a requirement for any host nation and that the BCCI was supposed to confirm they had secured one by May 18.

ESPNcricinfo reported that the ICC has threatened to move the tournament away from India over the issue.

However, BCCI treasurer Arun Singh Dhumal told Reuters that would not happen and that negotiations are going on.

"That is a work in progress. We are discussing it with the ICC and we'll resolve it."

The BCCI had encountered a similar problem when it hosted the event in 2016 when the government refused to provide a tax exemption, and there has been no change in New Delhi's stance despite the board's appeals.

Failure to secure that exemption in 2016 saw the ICC withhold an equivalent sum from India's share of revenue from the governing body's grants and it appears to be taking an even harder line this time around.

"There are certain timelines within the agreements that we collectively work towards to ensure we can deliver successful world class events and continue to invest in the sport of cricket," an ICC spokesperson was quoted as saying.

"In addition to this the ICC Board agreed clear timelines for the resolution of the tax issues which we are guided by."

The BCCI reportedly wants more time to discus the tax status with the Indian government as it is apparently unable to do so right now due to the lockdown. However, the ICC believes the Indian board had enough time to seek the exemption before the lockdown was implemented.

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Healthy tips to remember

Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:

Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast

Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits

Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day

Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet

Indian cricket board confident of retaining 2021 T20 World Cup hosting rights

World body wants tax exemption for tournament, which the BCCI has failed to secure so far

Stars and their cars

Healthy tips to remember