Cricket

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.

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam has faced intense scrutiny following the team's dismal performances at the ODI and T20 World Cups. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals, while in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, they failed to advance beyond the group stage.Despite his struggles, Babar Azam remains a highly respected figure in Pakistan cricket. All-rounder Hassan Ali has come to his defense, expressing unwavering support for the embattled batsman. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Ali hailed Azam as "the King of Pakistan.""He is my king, he is the king of Pakistan cricket, and he will always remain so because of the kind of batsman he is," Ali said. "I know maybe people will abuse me again and speak ill of me. But he is the best batsman of Pakistan, and he has proved it."Ali acknowledged that Azam has yet to lead Pakistan to a major trophy, but he emphasized that the batsman's talent is undeniable. "He should win trophies and series for Pakistan. But he is the best," Ali added.Ali also pointed out that Azam's emergence has elevated the "Fab Four" of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root to the "Fab Five." "He is the king of Pakistan's batting lineup. He has performed everywhere, except in India where we went once last year and he didn't score a hundred there (in the World Cup)," Ali said. "You must have heard of the 'Fab Four', and now because of Babar Azam, it's the 'Fab Five'. Babar Azam is that fifth player."Despite Azam's poor form in the T20 World Cup, Ali believes that he will bounce back. "I still stand by that statement," Ali said. "He is the best."