Viacom 18 has successfully secured the BCCI media rights for both television and digital platforms for the upcoming five years. The victory came through an e-auction held on Thursday, where Viacom18 outperformed rivals Sony Sports Network and Disney Star.
In a thrilling duel on August 31, Disney Star, Sony Sports, and Viacom18 vied for the coveted media rights from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The outcome? Viacom18 has emerged triumphant, earning the TV and digital rights for India’s home matches.
Viacom18 and BCCI are expected to clinch a five-year pact, spanning 2023 to 2028, encompassing the media rights. The auction utilized an entertaining “last participant standing” strategy, with bidding continuing until only one contender remained. Interestingly, consortiums were also allowed to join in this fascinating bidding process.
“Congratulations @viacom18 for winning the @BCCI Media Rights for both linear and digital for the next 5 years. India Cricket will continue to grow in both spaces as after @IPL, and @wplt20, we extend the partnership @BCCI Media Rights as well. Together we will continue to capture the imagination of Indian cricket fans,” said Jay Shah on the social media platform “X”.
Dividing the media rights into two packages, BCCI fixed a basic price of INR 20 crore for Package A (TV) and INR 25 crore for Package B (digital and overseas rights). Anticipating an uptick in the number of games in the upcoming phase, BCCI foresees a direct impact on viewership and revenue. Particularly significant is India’s planned hosting of cricket giants Australia and England. Among the 88 matches India will play at home, a substantial 39 will be against these dangerous opponents.
With this new agreement in play, Viacom18’s JioCinema, the OTT streaming service, will broadcast India’s matches on its app, website, and television. Previously, Disney Star held the reins for both TV and digital channels, having won the rights for INR 6,138 crore.
Turning our attention to the national squad, Team India, led by Rohit Sharma, is geared up for an electric meeting against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023. The setting is prepared for a duel between Rohit Sharma’s side and Babar Azam’s team at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on September 2.
