Champions Trophy: Pakistan approves tax exemption for ICC, foreign players

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved key economic decisions, including a tax exemption for the International Cricket Council (ICC) in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

According to an official statement issued after the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb presided over the session, which was attended by Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik, Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the ECC approved a tax exemption on ICC’s earnings from the Champions Trophy 2025, which is in line with international practices for hosting global sporting events. Under the agreement between ICC and Pakistan, the ICC’s revenue, subsidiaries, and affiliated entities will not be subject to any taxes or deductions.

However, Pakistani stakeholders, including the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), will be required to pay taxes on any income earned from the tournament. Additionally, no exemption will be granted on sales tax and federal excise duty.

The committee also postponed a decision to lift the ban on the commercial export of sheep and goats to Kuwait.

Furthermore, the ECC approved an additional technical grant of PKR 6.859 billion for the Ministry of Energy to cover development expenditures.

The committee also extended the LNG framework agreement between Pakistan LNG Limited and SOCAR Trading for another three years.