Ten Sports acquires Pakistan TV rights

Ten Sports, the Dubai-based sports television channel, has acquired telecast rights for Pakistan cricket for the next five seasons, for a cost of US$43 million. They have also been given exclusive rights for all international cricket played in the West Indies to be shown in the Asian market, paying approximately US$20 million for the privilege.

Ten Sports beat out bids from ESPN-Star Sports and World Sport Nimbus to seal the Pakistan deal. ESPN-Star was also a bidder for the West Indian rights, but Ten Sports - launched last year just ahead of the football World Cup - won through in a deal that could have far-reaching repercussions in Asia. They already have a deal in place with the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL).