BCCI media rights: No separate package for women’s matches, labelled as ‘other series’

BCCI selling its media rights is no less than a small festival in India. Ahead of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, a lot of companies showed massive interest in the media rights but Disney Star and Viacom18 eventually won the Television and Digital rights respectively. Notably, the television rights was sold for INR 23,575 crore while Viacom18 paid INR 20,500 for the digital rights.

Currently, the BCCI is set to organise an auction to distribute the media rights for all of India’s home matches in the 2023-27 cycle. However, unlike men’s, there is no separate package for women’s matches. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has grouped women’s matches in 'other series' category, which includes the board's domestic fixtures like the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, among others. 

“Additionally, the 'other series' shall encompass (i) cricket matches organized by BCCI and played in India between men's A teams, Women's International matches, women's teams, and all age group teams (men and women) of India and any other country/territory, along with warm-up/practice matches organized by BCCI for such teams from any other country/territory; (ii) practice/warm-up cricket matches organized by BCCI and played in India by a Visiting Team prior to any international series; and (iii) any other List 'A' cricket matches, as may be advised by BCCI from time to time,” read the 150-page ITT as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Viacom18 to acquire rights for Ireland vs India series

Viacom18, meanwhile, is set to acquire the media rights for India’s upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland. However, no official statement has been made confirming the development. 

As per reports, the matches will be broadcasted on Sports18 and JioCinema. Notably, JioCinema also bought the media rights of the series against the West Indies and is planning to acquire both television and digital rights for the upcoming cycle.