Cricket

The Hundred, England's new 100-ball cricket competition, has attracted a wider range of potential investors than anticipated ahead of Friday's first-round deadline for bids. The ECB's senior leadership team expressed confidence in the Hundred's projected valuations, particularly the overseas broadcast rights, which are expected to jump from £2 million per year to £33 million by 2030.The ECB sent investment prospectuses to around 100 interested parties last month, who were given until October 18 to register their initial interest in buying a stake in one of the eight Hundred teams. The teams are currently owned by the ECB but will become franchises run as joint-ventures with host counties once the sale process is complete.ECB chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson defended the projected increase in revenue from Indian broadcast rights, despite concerns raised by some prospective investors. Gould emphasized that the ECB is not assuming that Indian men's players will be released to participate in the Hundred, but remains confident in the product's appeal."We are confident in our product, in terms of the window we occupy and the players we've got available," Gould said. "There are loads of T20 and short-format franchise competitions out there at the moment, and I don't think they are all going to last, in truth."Gould revealed that "about 100 or so" interested parties had requested access to the ECB's "data room," including significant interest from India, America, and other sports and investment houses. He added that the ECB is aiming to maximize the value of the franchises while ensuring that the game's interests are protected."We're getting towards the end of stage one this week… at the moment, they can express an interest in all eight clubs," Gould said. "We'll have a better indication over the next week or two. Thereafter, we'll spend a month or so going through those. At the end of that process, they will be able to go and meet the county clubs and see where their relationships work best."Thompson emphasized that the investment base for the Hundred is "way broader and bigger" than expected, with Raine Group initially estimating three to four bidders per team. However, the ECB is not rushing the sale process and may consider a "hybrid" model in 2025, with some teams still owned by the ECB and others by private investors.

The Champions Trophy, scheduled for 2024 in Pakistan, faces uncertainty over India's participation due to political tensions between the two nations. However, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has emphasized the importance of protecting broadcast rights, indicating that the tournament will proceed with or without India's involvement.ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould and Chair Richard Thompson acknowledged that alternative arrangements are being considered in case India declines to travel to Pakistan. They stressed that the Champions Trophy is a significant event for Pakistan, which has not hosted a major ICC tournament since 1996.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not sent a team to Pakistan since 2008 due to strained relations. Last year, the Asia Cup was shifted to a hybrid model with India's matches played in Sri Lanka. Pakistan, however, participated fully in the 2023 World Cup in India.The PCB remains committed to hosting a "world-class" event in Pakistan. The final decision on India's participation rests with the Indian government. ECB officials believe that the ICC, led by former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, will play a crucial role in finding a solution.Gould emphasized the financial implications of India's absence, stating that broadcast rights would be compromised. He also acknowledged the security concerns that arise when India and Pakistan face each other. However, he expressed optimism that the two countries' relations are currently amicable.Thompson predicted that India's participation would "go to the wire." He believes that India and Pakistan will find a way to ensure India's involvement. The PCB has submitted a draft schedule to the ICC, with India's matches scheduled to be played in Lahore.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams divided into two groups of four. The competing teams include Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament is set to run from February 19 to March 9, 2024.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and cricket enthusiasts in England eagerly await a deal to secure television broadcast rights for Pakistan's home series against England in October. However, the initial reserve price set by the PCB has proven excessive, deterring broadcasters from entering negotiations.Despite reports of Sky and TNT Sport showing little interest, the PCB remains optimistic that a deal will be reached. However, concerns have been raised about the board's methods of securing broadcasting rights, which may hinder the realization of these deals.The PCB recently accepted a valuation significantly lower than its reserve price for domestic rights for home series from August 2024 to December 2026. The board's initial quote was approximately PKR 3.1 billion (USD 11.2 million), but the final broadcast figures are believed to be between USD 6 to 6.5 million.The transparent bidding process allowed broadcasters to collude and agree on a pre-determined price, significantly lower than the PCB's valuation. ARY and Tower Sports eventually acquired the rights.While the PCB claims the domestic rights sold for double the previous cycle, the ICC sold its rights in Pakistan for several times that amount, estimated at USD 25 million. PTV and Tower Sports secured the rights to broadcast six ICC events in 2024 and 2025, including India-Pakistan fixtures.Pakistan's inability to play India in bilateral series reduces the value of its domestic rights. England is set to play three Tests in Pakistan in October, but an agreement to broadcast the series in the UK remains elusive.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has implemented strict guidelines prohibiting commentators, players, IPL owners, and social media teams from posting images or videos from the stadium on match days. This move aims to prevent individuals or teams from gaining social media followers by exploiting exclusive content rights held by broadcasters.The decision was prompted by an incident where a former India batter posted a picture of himself commentating during an IPL game on social media. The broadcast-rights holders objected, and the BCCI staff member asked him to delete the post.To ensure compliance, the BCCI has notified all parties involved that violations will result in consequences. "The broadcasters have paid big money for IPL rights. So commentators cannot post videos or photographs on match day on social media," a BCCI official stated.Even IPL teams are restricted from posting live game videos. They can only share a limited number of photographs and provide live match updates on their social media platforms. A franchise was recently fined Rs 9 lakh for sharing a video clip of a live game.The BCCI also monitors players' social media posts on match days. "Even players have been told to be mindful of social media posts on match days. All posts by players are being monitored," an official said.The broadcast rights holders, Star India for television and Viacom 18 for digital, have exclusive control over content related to "live matches" and the "field of play." Designated BCCI staff members closely monitor posts made by commentators, IPL teams, players, and individuals present at the ground in an official capacity to enforce adherence to the rules.