Sri Lankan board secures lucrative television deal

Taj Television, a Dubai-based cable television operator which runs TEN Sports, has secured Sri Lanka's broadcasting and sponsorship rights for the next four years after matching a US$ 48 million bid from ARY Digital.

Taj Television, the current rights holders, had a matching rights clause in their current contract which allowed them to outbid any competitor providing they upped the bid by an agreed percentage. The final amount that will be paid to the board, assuming it can deliver on its promised tours, is approximately US$ 50 million.

The new deal represents a substantial jump in income for the Sri Lanka board, which has been facing financial difficulties during the past two years because of a legal wrangle with WSG Nimbus. The stiff competition for the rights - which include television, radio, internet, wireless and title-sponsorship rights - follows the announcement that the four-year period, from January 2005, will include three tours by India.

India are due to play in a triangular series in 2005 and 2006, as well as undertake a full Test and one-day tour in 2008. England and Australia, the two other most lucrative visitors, will also tour during the contract period.