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BCCI invites fresh bids for telecast rights
Our Sports Reporter

New Delhi, December 8
In an attempt to steer clear of legal tangles, the Marketing Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) here today cancelled the existing tender for telecast rights floated by the previous body and decided to invite fresh bids to give an “equal opportunity” to all contenders.

“The BCCI would like to get out of all legal battles in courts with regard to telecast rights. So we have decided to approach the courts and seek their approval to cancel the current tender and put out a fresh bid with fresh terms and conditions”, BCCI Vice-President and Marketing Committee member Lalit Modi said after today’s meeting.

Mr Modi said there were two reasons to go for the fresh bid. Firstly, the matter was in the courts, and secondly, the clauses needed to be made “fair” with regard to the qualification criteria.

The eligibility clause requiring a minimum of three years of broadcasting experience has been done away with, which will facilitate all-comers, including Zee Sports, to bid for the telecast rights. Zee Sports have been given the rights to cover the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, though Doordarshan holds the terrestrial rights, and will continue to do so, even after the new bid is finalised.

Fresh tenders would be floated on December 12, which would be opened on December 19, and the Marketing Committee will decide on the rights a day later.

Mr Modi said this time round the highest bidder would be awarded the rights and the BCCI would enjoy no discretionary powers to stall or cancel the bid.

“The BCCI is looking at generating more revenue and has identified the areas from where fresh revenue could be garnered,” Mr Modi noted. He said the board was also thinking of floating a separate tender for ICC-organised tournaments like the Champions Trophy, which India is scheduled to host next year.

Fresh tenders for team sponsorship will also be invited as the agreement with Sahara India had run its course on November 30. But this round, there would be a separate sponsor for team kits.