PCB Confident of Securing Broadcast Deal for England Tour
As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and cricket enthusiasts in England await a deal to secure television broadcast rights for Pakistan’s home series against England in October, the board remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached.
Despite initial reports suggesting a potential UK blackout, the PCB has dismissed such notions as alarmist, expressing confidence in finalizing a broadcast agreement. However, officials at a broadcast company have hinted at concerns over the board’s methods in securing television rights, which may not be conducive to realizing the full potential of these deals.
The PCB faced challenges in securing domestic broadcast rights for home series from August 2024 to December 2026, settling for a valuation significantly lower than their initial reserve price. The public and transparent bidding process allowed broadcasters to collaborate and maintain a pre-agreed price, which was much lower than the PCB’s expectations.
“While the domestic rights were acquired by ARY and Tower Sports for a fee believed to be between $6 to $6.5 million, the ICC was able to secure significantly higher rights in Pakistan, estimated at around $25 million.”
The PCB acknowledged that direct comparisons between ICC and domestic rights may not be entirely accurate, as the former benefits from guaranteed India-Pakistan fixtures across events.
Nevertheless, the PCB remains confident that a deal will be reached for the upcoming England tour, which will see the visitors play three Test matches in Pakistan. The BBC has already secured radio broadcasting rights for the tour, but an agreement that ensures English fans can watch their team’s attempt to repeat their previous whitewash victory remains elusive.
The PCB’s efforts to navigate the complex broadcast landscape, while ensuring the visibility of their home series, will be closely watched by both cricket enthusiasts and industry stakeholders.
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