Media Rights: CSA 'shell-shocked' after no show by Indian Broadcasters

South Africa (Source: AP Newsroom)

In a dramatic turn of events, Cricket South Africa have been left sweating over their media rights that saw no Indian broadcaster even putting up a bid. It was widely expected that the broadcasters might refrain from putting up high-bids after writing to the board over extremely unviable prices but to an extent that no one even showed up has left them pondering.

In the report published by Cricbuzz, all the major Indian broadcasters were on the same page regarding the matter expressing their concern over expensive price of the property. While none of the companies were ready to pay this much, they did asked CSA to separate the international and SA20 rights or even pull down the asking price.

All the top television companies namely Star, Sony, Viacom and Zee, most likely, have not submitted the bid. Also, the two Over the Top aggregators Amazon and FanCode that operate in the country might not be paying huge as well.

CSA, meanwhile has refused to comment on the matter saying,

"CSA doesn't comment on confidential processes."

Cost too high

$240K per game for SA20 League with 5% increase every year which reaches around $8 Million for ten years, plus $7 Million for an Indian game and $3 Million for a season where India does not feature, looks too much for the broadcast companies at the moment.

Moreover, it could not be ascertained if the South African Board is directly in talk with one of the broadcasters, Star who also happen to be their present partner with deal going on till 2023-24.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami replaces Jasprit Bumrah