The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is disappointed to see only one party interested in live streaming rights for the Pakistan Junior League (PJL 1). Earlier, the board did not succeed much in the title sponsorship.
PJL is a dream project of the chairman, who has been looking to flourish U-19 cricket and juniors since he carried on his duties. He has planned to kick start PJL 1 in October, but following the board’s struggle to find a part for live streaming, the plan might be changed.
According to Cricket Pakistan, a private party has bid for PKR 70 Lakhs, which is only 17% of the reserve price of PKR 4 crores 20 lakhs. Moreover, the channel is interested in a three-year contract, whereas the board is looking for a one-year contract with the party for live streaming PJL.
The two parties are to hold a meeting on Monday to negotiate the matter, but any changes are unlikely since only one party has shown interest in response. Furthermore, viewing the possible lack of interest in TV rights, the rights have been given to the government channel. 72% of the income will be shared by PCB and 28% by the channel.
Earlier, the board received only 25% of the reserved price for the title sponsorship. The board preserved a reserve price of about PKR 44 crores and 80 lakhs for three years, but both the companies in the race offered PKR 9 crores only. It was decided to deal with the title sponsorship itself by cancelling the tender as there was no expansion in the submission of new bids.
PJL 1 is likely to get less viewership because of its clash with major series and the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
