Why Did PCB Sell Broadcasting Rights at a Loss? Unpacking the Controversy
Broadcasting Rights Sold at a Loss
Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has had to sell its broadcasting rights for 25 international home matches at approximately half the reserve price, as only the state broadcaster, PTV, submitted a bid.
According to a reliable source, the PCB recently issued a tender for these broadcasting rights with a set reserve price but restricted interested parties from bidding as a consortium, a practice that had been common in the past.
With no consortium bids allowed, the state-owned Pakistan Television Corporation secured the rights with a bid of 350 million rupees, significantly lower than the reserve price of 600 million set by the PCB.
This broadcasting deal encompasses 25 home matches, which include five Test matches, 14 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and six Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Pakistan is set to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka this month, followed by a seven-match triangular ODI series featuring England.
Additionally, two Test matches against Sri Lanka are scheduled for next month.
"The issue lies in the recent underperformance of the national teams, leading to a lack of interest from sponsors and advertisers," the source noted.
The source further explained that several broadcasters still owe the PCB money from previous consortium deals, which has significantly reduced the pool of interested bidders.
"These broadcasters were not prohibited from participating in the bidding process; they simply opted out. A company that previously acquired most of Pakistan cricket's rights also showed no interest this time," the source added.
Currently, the PCB has sold broadcasting rights for three T20 internationals against Ireland in January 2027, along with a seven-match triangular series that includes Ireland and Zimbabwe.
However, Zimbabwe has indicated that they cannot travel to Pakistan due to internal board issues.
Earlier this year, during the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League, which introduced two new teams, the PCB did not receive the expected interest for broadcasting rights. In fact, one broadcaster that acquired last year's PSL rights still owes the board billions.