Star India Scores BCCI Cricket Rights

Star India has landed the lucrative global television and digital rights to BCCI India cricket matches for a five-year period beginning this year.

The new deal, which follows a hotly contested three-day online auction that included Sony and Reliance, runs through March 31, 2023. Star shelled out 6,138 crore rupees ($945 million) for the package, which includes 102 matches.

“Having both the IPL and India domestic and international rights puts us in a special position,” said Uday Shankar, chairman of Star India. “I am confident that Star and BCCI can transform the sporting experience in the country.

“Before the auction began, we had a specific number in mind. The prices reflect the average value of all three formats of the game. I congratulate the BCCI for putting across a scientific and a thoroughly transparent process. You knew the bids at all times, but at no stage did you know the bidder. Having a brutally transparent process is a major factor for their success.”

Rahul Johri, CEO of BCCI, noted, “The BCCI had put together a transparent process and I am pleased with the outcome. In the process, we were assisted by Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The fierce bidding underlines the importance of domestic and international cricket. The supporters of Indian cricket will be treated to some high-quality action not only on the field but also on television and digital platforms.