The BCCI may wait for the completion of the Zee-Sony merger to sell media rights for the Indian cricket team’s bilateral series, according to a report in a leading business publication.
The report, which quotes sources, suggests that the cricket board would “wait for some time and watch how the Zee-Sony merger pans out before issuing the tender.” The report also claims there is also a possibility that the BCCI may not sell the rights for four years (from 2023 to 2027) but instead for a different tenure.
Sony had the broadcast rights for IPL from the first edition till 2017, when Star India (now Disney Star) picked up the rights. Sony Sports Network also holds the rights to broadcast games from England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Also, the BCCI has still not decided if it will go for e-auction or other modes for selling th rights. BCCI may also separate the rights of men's and women's rights.