Same fees for India and non India matches irk broadcasters

Broadcasting has been a significant part of the game of cricket over the years. While they make the game available live to the viewers across the globe, the revenue generated also holds significance. However, the amounts garnered from matches featuring Team India has generally been greater than that of matches between the other teams.

Several bidders are itching to grab the rights for broadcasting the rights that are up for grabs starting 2018. However, as per clauses in Invitation to Tender (ITT), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has set the same base-price for every match in a series featuring more than two teams. Subsequently, the decision has outraged the bidders and they have written to the Indian board with regards to their concern.

The concerning factors for bidders

For example, if India is hosting Australia and New Zealand in a triangular series. During the series, there will be games between the Aussies and the Kiwis, which aren’t expected to be as popular among the viewers as that involving the hosts. In their message, the bidders have mentioned the lack of logic of paying the same amount for non-India games.

“Take the England or Australia rights for example. A broadcaster can be expected to pay a good amount for matches to be played there and involving India. But he will not pay the same amount for an Ashes or any other tournament that doesn’t feature in India. That’s how it needs to work,” a potential bidder was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Meanwhile, a BCCI official has mentioned that the same rights which were floated in 2009 have been shared this time around. “We haven’t changed anything. And as is the case with Pakistan – which has not been included in the ITT because of the non-possibility of any cricket with the neighbours until the government approves – the FTP categorically mentions the number of matches according to their formats to be scheduled during the rights period,” the official added.

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