PCB welcomes compromise over TV rights

The Pakistan Cricket Board has welcomed the compromise agreement between Ten Sports and ARY over the broadcasting rights dispute that had threatened to disrupt coverage of the game in Pakistan. Both channels had jointly won the rights to telecast Pakistan cricket until 2008 - paying a total of US$43 million - and they settled their differences in the Lahore High Court.

"We welcome the compromise between the Ten Sports and ARY and appreciate their gesture for withdrawing their litigations from the court," said Shaharyar Khan, PCB chairman, quoted in The Daily Times. "This compromise will enable smooth and unhindered television coverage of the upcoming tri-nation series," he added, referring to the seven-match ODI series which Pakistan will play against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

Ten Sports and ARY filed their compromise proposals before a High Court judge on Monday, and agreed to arbitration to settle their differences. Munir Sheikh, a retired judge, will attempt to find a solution once the current series is over.

"I express my appreciation to the representatives of both the TV channels for their cooperation and flexibility in arriving this compromise," said Shaharyar. The dispute between Ten Sports and ARY was just one of many issues that have plagued cricket broadcasting in South East Asia in recent times. Across the border, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has yet to arrive at a satisfactory solution to their own imbroglio, having cancelled the tender which was initially awarded to the Zee network.