No live broadcast of Pak-England series in Pakistan: minister

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 8 June 2021

Pakistan's federal Cabinet rejected a PTV proposal to partner with Indian companies for live cricket broadcasts. The decision came amid concerns over financial losses and diplomatic ties with India.

Summary

ISLAMABAD— The federal Cabinet has rejected a proposal of state television (PTV) to partner with Indian companies to broadcast live the upcoming international cricket series between Pakistan and England.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Fawad Chaudhry, said at a news conference that the Cabinet was approached for approving the partnership of the PTV with Indian broadcasters (Star and Asia). Both Indian media enjoy the rights to on-air the cricket series, starting from July 8. "However, the proposal has been rejected," the minister said, adding that currently, Pakistan cannot afford to enter into a partnership with any Indian organization.

According to him, the normalization of bilateral ties with India is subject to taking back the August 5 decision. He further stated that Pakistan favored exploring alternative options, including approaching the England Cricket Board and other foreign companies to obtain broadcasting rights. "Unfortunately, the rights have been reserved exclusively by Indian companies in South Asia," he regretted.

The minister also mentioned that due to this decision the PTV and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would have to face financial losses.

Photo courtesy: allsportspk

KEY POINTS:

• PTV sought partnership with Indian companies for cricket broadcasts.
• Cabinet rejected the proposal due to financial constraints.
• Minister Fawad Chaudhry emphasized the need for alternative broadcasting options.
• Current rights are held exclusively by Indian media in South Asia.
• The decision may lead to significant financial losses for PTV and PCB.