NEW DELHI: In an announcement that reverberated through the echelons of the cricketing world, Viacom 18 has unequivocally emerged as the victor in the contentious race for the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) coveted bilateral media rights over the impending five years. The confirmation was enunciated by none other than the BCCI’s secretary, Jay Shah, on Thursday. The dawn of a new era for international and domestic cricket transmissions on Indian soil commences from September 2023 and extends its dominion until March 2028.
Viacom 18, an indomitable force in the realm of media, now adds the illustrious titles of bilateral match transmissions to its already burgeoning arsenal. This sweeping victory further encompasses the digital rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a remarkable achievement that underscores the corporation’s strategic ascendancy.
The aftermath of an arduous e-auction unveiled this formidable outcome, prompting Jay Shah to take to the esteemed platform of social media, X, to pronounce, “Congratulations @viacom18 for securing the @BCCI Media Rights for both linear and digital mediums over the forthcoming quinquennium. The realm of Indian Cricket, an epitome of ceaseless evolution, now stands fortified in both domains, embarking on an odyssey that encompasses not only @IPL but also @wplt20. This steadfast alliance ushers an era of unbounded resonance with the fervent devotees of Indian cricket.”
Jay Shah, in an eloquent gesture, extended his gratitude towards Star India and Disney+Hotstar for their steadfast allegiance over the course of time. His sentiments echoed through his virtual reverberations, “Also a substantial expression of gratitude to @starindia and @DisneyPlusHS for their unwavering companionship. You have indelibly inscribed your influence on a tapestry that bestrides the globe, propelling India Cricket’s crescendo.”
The financial contours of this epoch-making agreement have also come to the fore, as sources close to the broadcasting industry intimate the substantial sum of Rs 3101 crore for the digital rights, juxtaposed with Rs 2862 crore for the linear (TV) dimension. This lopsided financial equilibrium echoes the contemporary trend where digital clout commands a premium. It’s noteworthy that Viacom’s staggering acquisition of IPL digital rights for a colossal Rs 26,000 crore has conferred them ownership of virtually all the cricketing jewels in the crown, barring the linear (TV) rights for the IPL and the prestigious ICC events.
The impending cricketing panorama promises an engrossing spectacle, with a total of 88 international encounters spanned across three formats. This encompassing 25 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 36 T20Is symbolizes a benchmark worth of Rs 67.76 crore per match. Although this marks an increment of Rs 7.76 crore per match compared to the previous cycle, a meticulous juxtaposition uncovers a reduction of Rs 175 crore from the preceding Rs 6138 crore, underlining the economic adjustments that accompany this new era. It’s discernible that the present market pulse has dictated terms, with an appreciable augmentation in per-match valuation.
As the ink dries on this watershed pact, the cricketing fraternity braces itself for a riveting chapter in its annals. The undulating terrain ahead shall witness the formidable Indian cricket contingent clashing with Australia in 21 matches and locking horns with England in 18 matches across the three dynamic formats. This odyssey of cricketing sagas promises to sate the ardent appetite of enthusiasts, melding sporting prowess with media magnificence.
