WICB defends decision to tax players
The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has continued to defend recent legislation, which demands a 20 percent levy on player salaries from overseas boards.
The controversial proposal, which has so far drawn ire in many circles, seeks to tax boards that wish to enlist the services of West Indies players for several T20 tournaments around the world. The amount, which would be paid per player, would be equivalent of 20 percent of the cricketer’s salary.
The WICB insists that the move is meant to make up for lost revenue and a talent drain as it relates to the availability and investment put into players.
“We would always like all eligible players to participate in our regional tournaments to ensure the highest quality of competition. We are aware that over the last three years, the number of domestic Twenty20 leagues has increased and there are now eight, including our own Caribbean Premier League. This means that there are now year-round lucrative opportunities around the world for West Indian cricketers, competing with WI regional competitions and sometimes even with WI international cricket. At present, there are 18 players in seven leagues,” the Board states.
Unlike some of the other ICC Full Members, WICB says it is unable to match the level of contracts that players can earn playing outside of the West Indies, “while maintaining the levels of investment necessary to ensure and nurture future generations of West Indian cricketers and the sustainability of West Indies cricket.”
