Press Trust of India
New Delhi, Nov 24: With Sri Lanka all set to turn hosts for the upcoming bilateral series between India and Pakistan next month, the venue has come as a relief for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as it also solved the broadcasting rights issue, which could have been a problem.
While sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said Tuesday that they are gearing up for the marquee series, they would only come out with a statement once PCB taskforce chairman Giles Clarke makes an official statement.
The Dubai-based broadcasters Ten Sports will be broadcasting the series in India and Pakistan, which will also mean that PCB will not need to compromise on their revenue, which is highly dependent on a series with India.
“Had the series been in India, the broadcasting rights would have gone to Star Sports as they have exclusive rights of covering India’s home series. Even if you would have termed it as Pakistan’s home series in India, there could have been legal ramifications,” a senior BCCI official said here Tuesday.
“Ten Sports has broadcasting rights of international cricket matches played in Sri Lanka as they are rights holder for the Sri Lankan national team. They also have the rights to series Pakistan play away from home. So in a way, it has been a huge relief for the PCB,” added the source.
It is no secret that PCB’s multi-million deal with their broadcasters hinges on an India series. “If India do not play Pakistan in this period than at least 60 per cent of the total bid amount will be reduced by the broadcasters,” a PCB source said.
