IPL MEDIA RIGHTS

We expect BCCI to honour the contract: Sony CEO

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Sony is looking to renew its deal with BCCI. © Cricbuzz

The Board of Control for Cricket in India's decision to announce on Sunday (September 18) the details of its proposed Invitation To Tender (ITT) for the Indian Premier League's (IPL) media rights had Sony Pictures Network (SPN) worried on Friday.

Sony, the current broadcaster of IPL in the subcontinent, is looking to renew its deal with BCCI for the next designated rights period. However, the news of BCCI's decision to go ahead with a 'transparent tendering process' makes it clear that Sony may be forced to join the bidding process.

Reacting to this development, NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Network (SPN), told TOI: "As a responsible sports body, we expect the BCCI to honour the terms of the contract, just as every reputed organization would do."

Sony maintains it has spoken with the BCCI and asked them to submit a 'final written offer' as mentioned in its IPL contract, claiming it has the first rights to negotiate terms of renewal.

BCCI, on the other hand, is ready to move ahead into a 'new world'. Confirming Sunday's conference to announce the media rights tender, a top BCCI official said: "Yes, we are announcing it. Deals that happened between 2008 and 2010 happened in different circumstances. It's a different world today."

The board intends to stick to its policy of bringing out a tender, as opposed to holding talks with SPN, citing the July 18 Supreme Court order that mandates transparency.

If BCCI makes an official announcement to come out with an ITT, Sony will be left with two options: head to court or come to the bidding table. If it moves court, it will run the risk of being blacklisted by the BCCI for 10 years, as is the latter's policy on any broadcaster litigating with the board.

If it bids for the rights, it will be up against deep pockets Star India which is eagerly waiting for the tender process to take place.

© TNN