No telecast of ENG-PAK series in Pakistan as government refuses to join hands with Indian company for broadcasting: Fawad Chaudhary

The political tension between India and Pakistan is well known and time and again, it keeps affecting the cricketing setup of both nations. As men in green are all set to travel England for a white-ball series in July, it has been reported that a live telecast of the game wouldn’t be available to the people of Pakistan. Pakistan cabinet on July 8 has rejected a proposal to join hands with an Indian company for a live telecast of the upcoming series.

The decision came in light of all the political tension that is lined up between the neighbouring nations. Minister of information from Pakistan, Fawad Chaudhary told the media after a cabinet meeting where Pakistan Television (PTV) requested the government to sign this contract with Star and Sony.

“The cabinet has rejected the request of PTV to sign an agreement with Star and Sony to air the England-Pakistan cricket series,” said Fawad as quoted by News18.

It has been a known fact that India’s relation with Pakistan worsened with the introduction of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Chaudhary stated that Imran Khan’s government has made it clear that ties with India will not be sorted until the revocation of the same article takes place.

“Our ties with India cannot be normalized until those actions are withdrawn,” Fawad added.

Pakistan TV to suffer a huge financial loss after the decision

Chaudhary stated that Star and Sony have a monopoly of broadcasting rights in South Asian countries and due to the absence of agreement, the series cannot be aired in Pakistan. It has been reported that Khan is trying to find the middle road for the same and is in discussion with ECB and other foreign companies to get the broadcasting rights.

It has also been reported that since the series would not be aired in Pakistan, PTV is set to suffer a huge financial blow. The series is a high-profile event and would be consisting of three ODIs and as many T20Is, the action of which would be awaited by fans of both nations.