The ICC has put out an India-specific tender for the 2024-31 cycle and has confirmed that the bids will be decided in the second week of September. Reports claim that Indian broadcasters are surprised with a couple of contingency clauses in the tender, and are expecting amendments for the same, despite the ICC having explained the reasons.
The ICC’s Invitation To Tender states that if the scheduled tournament moves to an Indian time zone, the broadcasters will be charged an extra 20 per cent fee and no discounts in the inverse scenario.
The second clause pertains to the timings, and states that the time zone will be within four hours of the Indian Standard Time, in case of relocation of venues is inevitable.
The two clauses read as follows:
“If, at any time during the Rights Period, IBC relocates an ICC Event that is scheduled to take place outside the Indian subcontinent (as set out in Schedule 1) to any country within the Indian subcontinent, upon notice being given by IBC to the Licensee (a “Rights Fee Increase Notice”), the amount of the Rights Fee apportioned to such ICC Event (as set out in paragraph 1.2 above) shall be increased by 20% (twenty percent) (a “Rights Fee Increase”).”
“If it becomes necessary to relocate any Senior Men’s Event scheduled to be staged in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh (as set out in Schedule 1) to another country (the “Replacement Country”) for any reason, including Force Majeure, IBC shall use reasonable endeavors to select a Replacement Country in a time zone that, at the time of the relevant ICC Event, is no more than four (4) hours behind or ahead of Indian Standard Time or is the United Kingdom.”
The set of clauses has clearly miffed the broadcasters, who are expecting amendments to the same.
“Basically, they will try to keep it within a four-hour time zone of India. No other adjustment, insurance or anything. Licensee is on the hook, they (the ICC) is not,”
says an Indian broadcast official.
Meanwhile, the ICC stated, “These are confidential ITT matters and we can’t be commenting on them.”
