Asian cricket rights, one and a half billion deal in Pakistan

The media rights for Asian cricket in Pakistan were sold to state-run TV for $5.2 million (about Rs. 1.5 billion), including two men’s Asia Cups. Sony India, which is demanding $12 million, is also continuing talks with other channels.According to the details, the Asia Cup will be held in the UAE from September 9 to 28. 19 matches will be played in it. In case of reaching the final, 3 Pakistan-India matches are expected. Last year, the Asian Cricket Council’s 8-year media rights from 2024 to 2031 were sold to Sony India for $170 million (approximately 47.26 billion Pakistani rupees).This includes 119 matches, including 4 men’s, 4 women’s Asia Cups and an emerging one. The Indian broadcaster asked Pakistan for $12 million for the 2 Asia Cups. None of the three channels in the race were willing to pay such a large amount.According to him, the market is not big enough these days to make a profit on heavy investments. There was also talk of forming a consortium among the channels, however, a major breakthrough came yesterday when the state-run television acquired the Asian cricket broadcasting rights from 2025 to 2027 for $5.2 million (about one and a half billion rupees).Sony is also in talks with two private channels that could jointly purchase the rights. The Indian broadcaster wants to get up to $5 million. A digital rights deal has already been signed in Pakistan.It should be remembered that Pakistan’s share in ACC media rights is about 25 percent ($42.5 million), digital rights are separate, most of the money (about 65 percent) comes from India.