Karachi — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) stands on the verge of securing its most lucrative media rights deal in history, with one of the PSL franchises reportedly preparing to bid around Rs4.5 billion per year — potentially pushing the four-year package to Rs18 billion — for broadcast and streaming rights of the cash-rich league.
According to well-placed sources, the franchise — which recently acquired an PSL team — has made up its mind to place a record-shattering offer. If successful, the deal would dwarf previous agreements and flood the PCB treasury with billions, giving the board much-needed financial breathing space.
Key Highlights
- PSL franchise eyes Rs4.5 billion annual bid for media rights.
- Four-year package could reach Rs18 billion, highest in Pakistan cricket history.
- Live streaming rights may fetch up to Rs7 billion separately.
- PCB disqualifies two major sports channels over unpaid dues (Rs4.7bn + Rs600m+).
- No consortium allowed this time to prevent alleged collusion.
- Winning bidder may use state broadcaster PTV screen for wider reach.
- PSL Season 11 starts March 26 with 44 matches (10 extra due to new teams).
The PCB had floated a tender some time ago for four-year PSL broadcast and streaming rights. Several parties showed interest, including two big sports channels. But both are burdened with heavy outstanding payments — one allegedly owes Rs4.7 billion, the other over Rs600 million. The board gave them time to settle, but when nothing materialised, disqualification letters were sent yesterday.
With those two out of the race, the field appears wide open for the PSL franchise. Sources say the bid could touch Rs4.5 billion annually for broadcast, with streaming potentially adding another Rs7 billion — a figure that would make this the single biggest media deal in Pakistan cricket.
This time the PCB has barred consortiums to avoid any chance of alleged price-fixing. If the franchise wins, it is expected to partner with the state broadcaster PTV to beam matches on terrestrial screens for maximum reach.
Under current rules, after deducting production costs, any broadcast deal above Rs3 billion shares extra revenue: 80 per cent to PCB and 20 per cent to franchises. An additional $500,000 from such deals goes toward signing marquee foreign players.
Production costs for last season crossed Rs1 billion for 34 matches. With two new teams, Season 11 (starting March 26) will feature 44 matches — effectively turning a four-year deal into the value equivalent of a five-year contract.
The board has not yet revealed the reserve price, though cautious estimates put it around Rs18 billion for the full package. Whoever wins will have to deliver on quality broadcast and streaming, especially with viewership expected to jump due to the expanded league.
For the cash-strapped PCB, this auction is a lifeline. A record deal would ease financial pressure, fund grassroots programmes, and help retain top local and foreign talent. Cricket fans across Pakistan will be watching closely in the coming days — a big win here could change the board’s fortunes for years to come. Updates will follow as bids are finalised.
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