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BCCI sets higher digital base price than TV for bilateral matches
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adopted a new approach for the upcoming media rights cycle, setting a higher base price for digital rights than for TV rights. The previous base price of Rs 61 crore per match paid by Disney Star has been reduced to Rs 45 crore per match for this cycle. Notably, it is the first time in cricket history that the base price for digital rights has exceeded that of TV rights.
In a recent move, the BCCI released the e-auction tender for selling rights to all formats of international cricket that India will play at home from September 2023 to March 2028. The collective base price for both TV and digital rights has been set at ₹45 crore per match, indicating a shift in valuation for bilateral cricket compared to previous cycles.
Departing from the previous approach, the BCCI has decided to sell digital and TV rights separately rather than using consolidated bidding. The reserve price for digital rights has been set at ₹25 crore per match, slightly higher than the ₹20 crore per match reserve price for TV rights. Recent IPL and ICC media rights auctions have shown that digital valuation has gained a slight edge over TV rights.
Disney Star’s recent actions indicate a shift away from prioritizing TV rights. After losing the digital rights for IPL, they chose to sub-license TV rights to Zee. On the other hand, Sony, which focuses on linear TV for its sports channels, may not be eager to engage in a bidding war against the might of Viacom 18 in the consolidated category. Moreover, the potential merger between Sony and Zee adds further complexity to the situation.
The separate category for digital rights creates opportunities for new players, given that digital platforms are considered the future medium. However, the IPL 2023 highlighted the challenges of recovering premium costs when advertising is split between two broadcasters.
In this rights cycle, the BCCI is offering a total of 88 matches, comprising 25 Tests, 27 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. This is 14 matches fewer than the previous cycle. The BCCI has set a minimum expectation of ₹60 crore per match, which could potentially result in earnings of ₹5280 crore if bidding stops at that level.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
