 14 January 2008
In one of the biggest telecast deals in World cricket, the Sony Television network and the Singapore-based World Sports Group (WSG) has secured the rights of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the officially-sanctioned Twenty20 league, for ten years at a cost of more than US$1 billion. As part of the deal, Sony will pay the BCCI US$908 million for the telecast rights and US$108 million for the promotion of the tournament. WSG will explore the international market while Sony will cater to the subcontinent market.
"We have what we believe to be the best deal for the Indian Premier League and Indian cricket fans" Lalit Modi the BCCI vice President and IPL Chairman and Commisioner announced.
The IPL has a pool of at least 78 cricketers with international experience from which the franchises can sign on players. Shane Warne will be the most expensive player, costing US$400,000 for a franchise to employ him. The next highest fee is for Glenn McGrath and Stephen Fleming, of US$350,000. Apart from the international stars the main attraction will be the Indian superstars Sachin Tendulkar and 20-20 champion cricketer Yuvraj Singh.
The bids for the franchises, the base price of which is US$50 million, will be opened on January 24 while player auctions would follow around February 7.
Film actor Shah Rukh Khan and Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar were also linked with having shown intrest in buying franchises but the same has been ruled out by IPL. Other notable names intrested in franchise include Reliance and Beer King Vijay Mallya. |
