BCCI declares open tender for IPL broadcast rights

The BCCI on Sunday announced an open tender process for allocating the cash-rich Indian Premier League's global broadcasting rights, a move that conforms to the Lodha Committee recommendations on transparency.

"We are happy to announce the tender process for IPL Global Media Rights (TV and Digital)," BCCI President Anurag Thakur announced in a press conference in New Delhi.

Currently, the IPL's media rights are held by Sony Pictures Network India (SPNI), a deal which comes to an end after the event's next edition.

Sony Network had the first right to make an offer to the Board but the BCCI has decided to go for an open tender. The move is likely to find favour with the Supreme Court-appointed Lodha panel, which has advocated transparency in the BCCI's business deals.

In 2008, World Sports Group bagged the IPL television rights for a 10-year period for USD 918 million. It signed a deal with Multi Screen Media Pvt. Ltd. (MSM) making Sony the official broadcaster.

The contract was redone before the 2009 IPL with Multi Screen Media working out a USD 1.63 billion deal for nine years with the BCCI.