Record-breaking Deal: PSL Global Media Rights Fetch PKR 1.26 Billion

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:15:11 GMT

Traditionally, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) bundled the global media rights of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with international rights. However, the government granted permission for the management committee to exclusively sell the PSL rights while maintaining restrictions on daily affairs.

In the bid for broadcast and live-streaming rights outside Pakistan, six companies participated. The winning company, which usually secures PCB contracts, was chosen from among ARY Communications/Myco, IMC, SuperSport, Willow TV, and Flow Sports.

PCB Lands Profitable Agreement for Pakistan Super League

As per a Cricket Pakistan report, the media rights for PSL over the span of two years were purportedly sold for $450,000 (approximately PKR 1.26 billion), with the first year’s share set at $225,000 (PKR 63 crore). Despite allowing three bid review opportunities for the first time, no company managed to meet the reserve price.

The PCB has announced that the international media rights for the ninth and tenth editions of the T20 league have experienced a significant 41% increase in value. This marks a noteworthy surge compared to the previous contract, underscoring the growing significance and commercial appeal of the PSL.

Naila Bhatti, the League Commissioner, expressed, “The PSL has achieved a groundbreaking sale of international media rights, underscoring the allure of the PSL in overseas territories worldwide. The league’s remarkable growth extends far beyond Pakistan’s borders.”

Rao Usman Hashim, Chief Operating Officer of TransGroup:

Trans Group takes pride in securing the global media rights for the ninth and tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League. As Pakistan’s largest sports business group, Trans Group has a longstanding commitment to supporting PSL since its inaugural season, consistently striving to deliver optimal value for both the PCB and the PSL franchise teams.

Expressing enthusiasm for the future, Trans Group aims to expand its media rights portfolio. The competitive bid for the PSL global rights reflects their unwavering dedication to the brand, recognizing it as Pakistan’s premier global sporting product. Trans Group looks forward to implementing a robust global exploitation strategy, aiming for maximum reach and commercial value for the PSL.

The PSL 2024 Set to Commence in Lahore on February 17th

The upcoming season is set to kick off on February 17 in Lahore, featuring a match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United at Gaddafi Stadium. The tournament will showcase a total of 34 matches across four cities: Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

Karachi is designated to host 11 matches, while both Lahore and Rawalpindi will serve as venues for nine matches each. Multan will witness five matches during the event. The playoff matches are scheduled to take place in Karachi, culminating in the grand finale at the National Stadium on March 18.

Star Pakistani batsman Babar Azam holds the record for being the leading run-scorer in the tournament’s history. Babar has amassed 2935 runs in 79 matches, boasting an impressive average of 43.80 and a strike rate of 124.84. On the bowling front, Wahab Riaz secures the top spot as the leading wicket-taker, having taken 113 wickets in 88 games at an average of 22.68.