The International Cricket Council (ICC) had earlier stated that Star Sports will continue to retain its broadcast rights of ICC events during the next four-year cycle. Star faced tough competition from other Indian broadcasters like Viacom18, Zee, and Sony but ultimately won the rights for men’s and women’s cricket till 2027.
Star had earlier acquired the rights for eight-year cycles in 2007 and 2015 but had opted for a four-year deal this time. Star’s bidding price was larger than its competitors for which the second round wasn’t needed.
“We are delighted to continue to partner with Disney Star as the home of ICC cricket for the next four years which has delivered an outstanding result for our Members and will support our ambitious growth plans. They will play a crucial role in the future of our sport and connecting and engaging with more fans than ever before.” – said ICC Chairman Greg Barclay said
K Madhavan, Country Manager & President, Disney Star said: “We are delighted at being able to continue our association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and look forward to strengthening our partnership by growing the sport of cricket in the years ahead. With the acquisition of the ICC Digital and TV broadcast rights, Disney Star has further strengthened its status as the premier destination for marquee cricket events in the country.”
The highest two bidders had only a 10% difference for which the second round of bidding wasn’t needed. As per ICC’s bid documents, the second round would have occurred if the difference between the highest two bidders were less than 10%.
The ICC Tender was quite dramatic this time. The bidders refused bid submission and there where other controversies as well. The withdrawal of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) didn’t go good with the bidders. The top two broadcasters wrote ICC to hold an e-auction only.
What were the two demands by the Potential bidders to ICC?
- Recall PWC and give them the responsibility to conduct the tender
- Viacom18 & Disney Star renew their demand for E-AUCTION
As per reports, Viacom18 and Star wrote mails to ICC at the last moment. This mails have questioned the tender process again. All the four bidders did participate in the process as directed by ICC.
Media Rights on Offer
Events from 2023-31 that include 16 men’s events (over eight years between 2023-31) and six women’s events(over four years – between 2023-27), involves every tournament. World Cups, Champions Trophy, T20 World Cups, U19 World Cups are a few of them.
Read more: Asia Cup 2022: Match Preview of India vs Pakistan
