The bilateral media rights tender for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing further delays as interested broadcast firms have requested more time.
Ernst & Young (EY), appointed as consultants for the rights, has received these appeals. The previous rights deal with Disney Star Sports ended after the India-Australia series, leaving the BCCI without a sponsor for domestic matches.
Initially aiming to secure new broadcasters by July, the process is now expected to extend beyond August. The delay is partly attributed to the pending merger between Sony and Zee, which has encountered legal litigations causing speculation about its completion.
However, all parties involved express continued interest in the merger. A joint bid from Sony-Zee is anticipated, intensifying the competition for the rights. The tender is likely to be released in July or August to maximize the media rights’ value.
Although India has no bilateral games until December, they will play three ODIs before the World Cup. The BCCI’s approach, interim or long-term, is yet to be determined.
EY is engaging with potential broadcasters to recommend the appropriate timing for the tender, and the bidding process is undecided. India is scheduled to play 141 games from 2024-2027 under the ICC Future Tours Programme.
