PCB at risk of financial blow

The current situation could result in a substantial financial hit for the board

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the revised schedule for the upcoming home Test series against England, with the first match set to begin on October 7 in Multan. However, with just two weeks left before the series, the PCB has been unable to secure international media rights, which could result in a significant financial loss and prevent British fans from watching the matches.

According to sources, the PCB had initially set an ambitious reserve price of approximately $21 million for a three-year international media rights deal, but no bid came close to meeting this figure. The highest offer came from the foreign company Sports Five, which bid $7.8 million. A joint bid from two Pakistani companies amounted to around $4.1 million, while Willow TV offered $2.25 million. All bids were rejected as they fell short of the reserve price.

In an attempt to salvage the situation, the PCB conducted a re-tendering process solely for the home series against New Zealand and the women's series against the West Indies. This time, the joint bid from two Pakistani companies, amounting to just $99,000, emerged as the winning offer.

Despite the involvement of former ICC official Campbell Jamieson in the bidding process, the PCB did not benefit from his presence. The board then attempted to sell international media rights for the 2024-26 period but received offers that were 50% lower than the previously rejected bids, forcing the process to be halted once again.

Traditionally, Sky Sports has been the broadcaster of Pakistan cricket in the UK, but this time they have shown no interest in purchasing the rights. Sources indicate that with time running out, the PCB may be forced to sell the rights at a significantly lower price to avoid a blackout in the UK.

The current situation not only threatens the viewership of the series but could also result in a substantial financial hit for the PCB, raising concerns over the management of media rights deals in the future.

Misbah heads to USA

Former Pakistan cricket captain Misbah-ul-Haq has left for the USA to attend charity events, as reported by a local news channel. Misbah, who is currently the mentor of the Markhors team in the ongoing Champions Cup, received permission from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for this trip.

According to sources, Misbah had informed the PCB about his prior commitments when he was appointed as a mentor for the tournament. Despite this, his decision has drawn criticism from fans on social media. Many believe that Misbah should prioritize his role in the Champions Cup, especially since he is being paid for his mentoring position.

PCB insiders have stated that Misbah will return soon and is expected to rejoin the Markhors. The team faced their first defeat against the Lions yesterday, losing by 35 runs. Despite this, they remain at the top of the points table with 38 points and have already qualified for the next round.

Currently, the Stallions are in second place with 28 points after winning two out of three matches, while the Shadab Khan-led Panthers sit in third with 23 points. The Lions are in fourth place with 12 points, and the Dolphins have yet to win a match.