Cricket
oi-Ashish Rana
The Pakistan Cricket Board has suffered a major setback in its latest broadcasting rights auction after receiving only one bid for 25 international home matches. PTV won the rights with an offer of Rs 350 million, despite the PCB setting a reserve price of Rs 600 million.
The Pakistan Cricket Board awarded broadcasting rights for 25 home international matches to PTV for Rs 350 million, falling short of its Rs 600 million reserve price, as PTV was the sole bidder after the PCB disallowed consortiums.
PTV Secures Rights For Rs 350 Million
A reliable source said the PCB had issued the tender several days ago but did not permit interested broadcasters to join hands and bid as a consortium, unlike what had happened in recent rights deals.
With no consortium allowed, PTV remained the only bidder in the process and secured the broadcasting rights for significantly less than the Board’s expected value.
The deal covers 25 home matches, with Pakistan scheduled to play five Tests, 14 ODIs and six T20Is under the agreement.
Pakistan’s Upcoming International Schedule
Pakistan are scheduled to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka this month, followed by a seven-match triangular ODI series involving England. Two Tests against Sri Lanka are scheduled for the next month.
“The problem is that the performance of the national teams have been below par in recent times and sponsors and advertisers for now are aloof,” the source said.
Broadcasters Stay Away From PCB Tender
The source added that since at least three broadcasters still owe money to the Board for previous deals they made as consortiums, the field of interested bidders shrunk badly.
“These broadcasters who owe money were not barred from participating in the bidding process, they chose not to take part. A company that has acquired most of Pakistan cricket’s rights in the past also showed no interest,” the source added.
Ireland, Zimbabwe Series Also Included
For now, the broadcasting rights sold by the PCB include three T20 internationals against Ireland in January 2027 followed by a seven-match triangular series involving Ireland and Zimbabwe.
As things stand, Zimbabwe have indicated they are not in a position to travel to Pakistan because of their internal board issues.
Even when the Pakistan Super League’s 11th edition was held earlier this year with two new teams, the PCB didn’t get required response for the broadcasting rights.
In fact, one broadcaster who brought last year’s rights to the PSL still owes the board in billions.
