Even before the start of the ODI, a match is on between the Kochi Corporation and the KCA. The Finance Standing Committee of the Corporation threw a ‘doosra’ at the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), asking them to slash the ticket rates in return for the proposed 25 per cent tax rebate for the match, but the KCA has outright rejected the demand.
The Finance Standing Committee which met on Friday, discussed in detail the proposed tax exemption for KCA during the one day international match between India and West Indies.
The members of the committee expressed their dissent in giving tax exemption for KCA since the Corporation is experiencing severe financial crunch. But taking into consideration the upbeat mood of sports enthusiasts in the city, the committee decided to ask the KCA to reduce its match ticket rates corresponding to the proposed tax rebate. The committee also decided to ask the KCA to enter into an agreement with the local body regarding this.
“The KCA will be asked to sign an agreement with the Corporation Secretary on reducing the ticket rates, if they want the tax rebate,” Deputy Mayor of Kochi Corporation B Bhadra said. The decision of the committee will be referred to the Corporation council on Monday. The proposal is likely to be passed without any major opposition.
T C Mathew, President of KCA, while rejecting the proposal said that it will be impossible to consider it as they have already started printing the tickets.
“KCA has same ticket rates for all matches. If the corporation is adamant, we would have to consider not availing the tax exemption. The general body of KCA will meet on Sunday to take a final call on this,” he said.
Members of the Finance Standing Committee has also expressed doubts on the details of seating arrangement for the match provided by the KCA. Only 38,725 seats were marked in the list given by KCA to the Corporation but a document by Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which owns the stadium, says the stadium can occupy 55,000 people.
While the law states that only five per cent of the total capacity can be given as complimentary passes, there is some explaining to be done on the missing 16,275 seats, sources in the Committee said.