Revenue Department on Thursday withdrew tax benefit of four cricket bodies -- Saurashtra Cricket Association, Baroda Cricket Association, Kerala Cricket Association and Maharashtra Cricket Association -- for engaging in certain commercial activities.

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the Income Tax authorities have looked into the affairs of these four cricket associations and found that they were engaged in certain activities which were considered commercial in nature in view of the amended provisions of Sec 2(15) of the Income Tax Act.

“Consequently, the scrutiny of assessments in these cases has resulted into the withdrawal of tax-exemption,” the CBDT said.

Past assessments in these cases, it added, have also been reopened by the revenue department to examine the correctness of their claim for income tax exemption during the periods concerned.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its report tabled in Parliament last month had slammed the IT Department for extending irregular exemptions to the four cricket affiliates of BCCI, resulting in short-levy of tax of over Rs. 37 crore.

The CAG said the IT Department allowed irregular exemptions on income from TV rights given to four associations engaged in commercial activity.

The CAG said under Section 2 (15) of the Income Tax Act, a public utility activity cannot be treated as “charitable” if it involves carrying out of any activity in the nature of trade, commerce or business.