PCB issues clarification on TV rights

There has been no shortage of rumour-mongering regarding the TV rights for the forthcoming India-Pakistan series. In this light, Shahryar Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has issued a lengthy clarification in the form of a media release. The first step he has taken is the constituting of a two-man team to look into the marketing contracts from a legal and commercial point of view.

"An independent marketing consultant, Mr Riaz Mahmood, who is assisted by a legal consultant, Mr Ahmed Hossain, has been appointed to review PCB's marketing contracts from a legal and commercial standpoint. Both the independent consultants enjoy impeccable reputations in their respective fields," began the release. Perhaps more importantly, it went on to say, "After a meticulous review of the contract for television rights between PCB and Ten Sports the independent marketing and legal consultants have confirmed PCB's initial view that the contract is commercially valid and legally binding on PCB. Accordingly, potential applicants for television rights for Pakistan-India series have been informed that PCB would abide by its contract with Ten Sports. In turn Ten Sports have undertaken in writing that Pakistan TV would be given terrestrial rights to telecast the matches in Pakistan," thus quashing all speculation about who would telecast the series.

Further, the release adds that Pepsi has agreed to forego title sponsorship of the series in exchange for compensation of US$375,000. This allows the PCB to invite tenders from various companies in the international market and secure the best possible deal.

The PCB has also announced the dissolution of provincial cricket associations that were formed on an experimental basis in 2003. According to the release, "The basic reasons for the dissolution are that adding an additional tier to cricket's hierarchy was considered to be counter productive. Moreover, the Chairman is of the view that the existing constitution, though temporarily suspended, should be respected as far as possible."