Pakistan yet to secure Asia Cup TV rights
According to details, the Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from September 9 to 28 in the UAE, featuring 19 matches. If both teams reach the final, three India-Pakistan matches are expected.
Last year, the Asian Cricket Council sold the 8-year media rights (from 2024 to 2031) to Sony India for $170 million (approximately PKR 47.26 billion). These rights include four men's and four women's Asia Cups, as well as 119 matches including the Emerging Cup.
Currently, negotiations are underway for the sale of broadcasting rights in Pakistan. Sources reveal that the Indian broadcaster has demanded $12 million for the two Asia Cups. However, none of the three Pakistani channels currently in the race is willing to pay such a high amount. According to them, the current market is not strong enough to ensure profit on such a large investment.
Talks have also been held among the channels to form a consortium. Only in that case will Sony's demand be met; otherwise, negotiations to reduce the fee will continue.
The digital rights for the Asia Cup in Pakistan have already been finalized, and the announcement is expected on Monday. During the recent series against Bangladesh, the state TV channel reportedly made a profit from broadcasting after a long time.
Sources also said that Pakistan's share in ACC media rights is around 25% (approximately $42.5 million), while digital rights are separate. The majority of the revenue (about 65%) comes from India, meaning that the broadcaster stands to make a significant profit if the Asia Cup takes place.
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