New Delhi: The Pakistan Cricket Board is surrounded by even more problems as they fail to get any international media rights for the upcoming test series against England. Pakistan is set to play a three-match test series against England which is part of the World Test Championship calendar. Without any international media broadcaster, the match is likely not to be streamed outside of Pakistan.
Pakistan cricket has been in some deep problems which has pushed the team into oblivion. Naturally, such news means more economic hiatus for cricket in Pakistan. Without proper media broadcast, revenue streams in the sport are also likely to dry up in the coming years. Moreover, there will be a dip in the popularity of the game in the coming years which has started now. However, the dip in popularity of Pakistan cricket could also be linked to their underwhelming performances in recent times which saw them lose a Test series to Bangladesh at home.
England vs Pakistan- Test Series Schedule
- 1st Test: England vs Pakistan- 7th to 11th October
- 2nd Test: England vs Pakistan- 15th to 19th October
- 3rd Test: England vs Pakistan- 24th to 28th October
Read more: Pakistan Champions Cup 2024 OTT, Live Streaming, Time & Date and Squad details
PCB’s outlandish ‘PRICE’
According to reports by Cricketpakistan, the PCB’s failed attempt to procure an international media broadcaster was due to the price quoted by the board. PCB demanded $21 million for a three-year international media rights deal, but no bid came close to meeting this figure. Subsequently, the PCB received a joint bid from two Pakistani companies that amounted to around $4.1 million, while Willow TV offered $2.25 million, however, the PCB didn’t agree.
The highest bid came from a foreign company Sports Five, who offered $7.8 million but PCB rejected it as they didn’t want to sell the rights at such a low figure. But now it feels that the board has to settle for a lower price. While the reduced pricing can help the board get a broadcaster, the board will see massive losses selling the lucrative rights at such low prices.