LAHORE – The financial bidding for the broadcasting rights of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will take place on Tuesday. According to sources, a decision will be made on the reserve price, and it is anticipated that the reserve price for the two-year rights could be set between 6 to 7 billion rupees. PCB has granted permission only to those companies with their sports channels or those who have acquired rights from other channels to participate in this year’s bidding.
Currently, four channels are in operation, and the largest organizations participating in the bidding will be awarded broadcasting rights. In case the reserve price is not met, PCB has the option to reconsider the bids or delay the entire process. The financial value of the previous deal was 2 billion rupees but was later increased to 3.7 billion rupees.
The two-year rights were sold for 4.3 billion rupees. PCB has secured media rights from the international company Colgan Bauer, with a financial value of up to 6 billion rupees. Sources have revealed that, departing from the past deal, rights could be sold for up to 6.5 billion rupees this time, with 95% of the share going to PSL franchises.
In light of restrictions on surrogate advertisements, franchises are concerned about potential revenue reduction. As a result, the franchises are pinning their hopes on broadcasting rights as a crucial revenue stream to offset these losses.
However, considering the rising dollar value, the benefit may not be significant in terms of rupees. It is likely to be around or slightly higher than the previous agreement.
The franchises have to spend money in dollars for players’ payments and production, making it challenging to benefit from the increased dollar value.
On the other hand, this time, the Cricket Board has not linked the international rights of the PSL with its other cricket, making it less likely for a higher amount to be received. It should be noted that the government restricted the committee from approving any decision before obtaining clearance, making it challenging for PSL to obtain permission to sell rights.
