Pakistan vs England Test series: International media rights unsold, PCB faces financial loss
The apex body of Pakistan cricket has suffered a massive financial blow as the international media rights for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England went unsold. The series will start from October 7 in Multan but the Pakistan Cricket Board has failed to bring an international broadcaster on board which means the important series will not be telecasted outside the country. This would impact PCB’s financial clout.
As per a report in Cricket Pakistan, PCB was looking for $21 million for a three-year period, but they couldn’t find anyone. The PCB received a joint bid from two Pakistani companies, who were ready to pay around $4.1 million, while Willow TV tabled a $2.25 million offer. However, PCB said no to all the bids. The highest bid came from Sports Five, who offered $7.8 million but Mohsin Naqvi-led board rejected it as the amount was on the lower side.
PCB then released a tender for the home series against New Zealand and the women’s series against the West Indies. Two Pakistan companies offered to pay $99,000 and got PCB’s approval. The governing body also tried to sell international media rights for the 2024-26 period but no bid came close to the 50 percent of the asking price. Sky Sports, who was showing Pakistan’s home matches in the UK, showed no interest.
Pakistan have performed poorly across formats and this could be the main reason behind the dip in their popularity.
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