In a groundbreaking announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed on August 31 that Viacom 18 has emerged victorious in the highly competitive bid for the exclusive TV and digital rights to India’s home games.
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This monumental deal will encompass both international and domestic matches, spanning from September 2023 to March 2028. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to catching all the action on Jio Cinema for streaming and Viacom 18 for telecast.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah Congratulates Viacom 18
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah took to social media to extend his hearty congratulations to Viacom 18 on this significant achievement. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in fostering the growth of cricket in India, following the successful ventures of the IPL and Women’s Premier League.
Shah expressed his optimism, stating, “Together, we will continue to capture the imagination of Indian cricket fans.”
Gratitude to Disney+Hotstar
Shah also took a moment to express gratitude towards Disney+Hotstar for their unwavering support throughout the years. He acknowledged their pivotal role in expanding the reach of Indian cricket across the global stage.
Record-Breaking Earnings for BCCI
As reported by Cricbuzz, this deal is set to be a financial game-changer for the BCCI, with earnings of ₹67.8 crore per game, inclusive of ₹32.5 crore for digital rights and ₹35.3 crore for broadcast rights. This marks an impressive increase of ₹7.8 crore per game compared to the previous agreement.
Viacom 18 is slated to broadcast a total of 88 games during this term, commencing with the upcoming Australia tour of India, featuring three ODIs scheduled for late September. Team India’s packed schedule includes 25 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 36 T20Is.
Official Statement from BCCI
In an official statement, the BCCI announced, “Viacom 18 Media Private Limited has acquired the Media Rights from September 2023 to March 2028 for a cumulative figure of INR 5,963 crores, subject to execution of definitive documentation and completion of formalities as required by BCCI, and other obligations specified in the ITT being completed.” This massive investment reflects the growing popularity and economic viability of cricket in India.
Viacom 18’s Expanding Cricket Portfolio
It’s worth noting that Viacom 18 had previously secured digital rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women’s Premier League earlier in the year, solidifying their commitment to promoting cricket across various formats.
BCCI’s Upcoming International Home Season 2023-24
According to BCCI’s recently released schedule, the 2023-24 International Home Season promises an exciting lineup for cricket enthusiasts. Team India is set to participate in 16 international matches, comprising five Tests, three ODIs, and eight T20Is.
The action-packed season kicks off with the Australia tour of India, featuring three ODIs in late September. This will be followed by a series of T20Is, including a captivating clash against Afghanistan in January. The England tour of India, featuring five Tests, will conclude this thrilling season of cricket in March 2024.
In conclusion, Viacom 18’s acquisition of the media rights for BCCI’s home games signifies a significant milestone in the world of cricket broadcasting, promising fans unprecedented access to the sport they love. With a lucrative deal in place and a jam-packed schedule ahead, Indian cricket is poised for an exciting and prosperous future.
