BCCI Waives Off Star Sports' 79 Cr Bill From 2018-2023 Cycle
Team India played 103 matches in the 2018-2023 cycle [AP Photo]
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to waive off one match from Star Sports, who have been their official broadcast partner for the ongoing 2018-2023 cycle, which includes both domestic and international live-action.
As per the terms set between both parties, a total of 102 matches were to be covered, however, the BCCI conducted one extra match (103rd), which became the talking point lately.
The additional encounter cost INR 78.90 crore, which was not included in the original deal of INR 6,138.1 crore. As per a report in the Economic Times, the BCCI confirmed that one match has been waived off.
According to a source within Star India, the Media Rights Agreement (MRA) included 102 games, and the company believed that it should not be paying for the 103rd match.
Here's what BCCI said
"It has been resolved to waive off (one) match from the scope of Star India Private Limited under the BCCI-Star Media Rights Agreement dated 5th April 2018 for BCCI International and Domestic Matches. The total number of matches during the rights period has now been reduced from 103 to 102."
"The MRA had 102 games and Star will pay for those matches. I don't see an issue here."
Interestingly, a similar situation occurred in 2020, where due to rescheduling and cancelation of matches due to Coronavirus, Star had asked the BCCI to waive INR 139 crore.
 "Vishal Mehra")
