Pakistan Home Cricket Broadcasting Rights Sold for Rs. 350 Million
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The broadcasting rights for Pakistan’s upcoming home international cricket matches have been awarded for Rs. 350 million, with state broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV) emerging as the only bidder.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had fixed a reserve price of Rs. 600 million for the rights. However, with no other broadcaster submitting a bid, PTV secured the agreement at a significantly lower amount.
The latest deal covers 25 international matches, including five Test matches, 14 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and six T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Limited Bidding Interest
The PCB had invited bids for the broadcasting rights earlier this week. Several major broadcasters that have previously been involved in Pakistan cricket reportedly did not participate in the process.
According to reports, some broadcasters still have outstanding payments to the PCB. However, they were not prevented from participating in the bidding process.
The limited interest has also been linked to Pakistan’s recent performances and relatively low public interest in some of the team’s matches against Ireland and Sri Lanka.
This time, the PCB did not permit companies to form consortiums for the bidding process, following a similar approach used for the Pakistan Super League.
Matches Covered Under the Agreement
The agreement includes Pakistan’s scheduled home fixtures across different formats.
Pakistan are set to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka this month, followed by a seven-match triangular ODI series involving England. The national team will then play two Tests against Sri Lanka next month.
In January 2027, Pakistan are scheduled to face Ireland in a three-match T20I series. Another seven-match triangular ODI series involving Zimbabwe is also planned.
Pakistan are further scheduled to play a one-off Test against Ireland in February 2027, followed by a two-Test home series against New Zealand during February and March.
Some Fixtures Remain Uncertain
Reports have suggested that Zimbabwe may not travel to Pakistan for the proposed triangular ODI series because of commercial considerations. There have also been reports that the one-off Test against Ireland could be cancelled.
However, the PCB has not officially confirmed any changes to these fixtures so far.
The final number of matches broadcast under the agreement could therefore depend on any changes to Pakistan’s international schedule.
