ICC rights bid may touch $2 billion, three Indian broadcasters in fray

The ICC has shortlisted as many as 17 bids for the final phase of evaluation for its telecast rights for eight years, from 2016 to 2023.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has shortlisted as many as 17 bids for the final phase of evaluation for its telecast rights for eight years, from 2016 to 2023.

HT Image

The ICC chairman, N Srinivasan, its commercial manager, Campbell Jamieson and CEO Dave Richardson are in London, where the evaluation is being done. It is learnt that the successful bid will be announced soon after the meeting.

The rights, which covers all the premium ICC properties - the World Cup, Champions Trophy and World T20 - is expected to fetch an unprecedented amount said to be in the region of $2 billion.

An official privy to the bidding process said: "After an initial screening process, the shortlisted bidders were asked to resend another bid, and all of them have complied with that. In all probability, the announcement can come in a day or two."

It is learnt that amongst the bidders, there are three premier Indian broadcasters - Star, MSM (Sony) and Ten Sports.

FICA meeting

Srinivasan also met Tony Irish, who took over as president of the Federation of International Cricketers' Association (FICA) in June. The meeting, also attended by Dave Richardson, discussed issues regarding player development as well as the ongoing pay dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its players.