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    Ad-free cricket telecast: Justice Mudgal bats for pay-per-view

    Synopsis

    If fans want to watch uninterrupted proceedings of the match, a system of paying more for ad-free coverage won't be a bad idea, said Justice Mudgal.

    TNN
    (This story originally appeared in on Jun 17, 2016)
    NEW DELHI: Days before the Supreme Court verdict on the Lodha committee's recommendations regarding restricted advertisements during cricket telecasts, Justice (retired) Mukul Mudgal has offered a solution by introducing the pay-per-view concept.

    Creating an independent channel without any advertisements could also be considered, according to the Chief Justice (retired) of Punjab and Haryana High Court.

    "I wouldn't like to comment on Lodha's recommendation because the matter is sub-judice. But if the fans want to watch uninterrupted proceedings of the match, a system of paying more for ad-free coverage won't be a bad idea. People do pay for watching matches on HD channels," Mudgal, who is the chairman of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council of India, said on Thursday.

    The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has strong reservations about the Lodha panel's suggestions to restrict advertisements only to the drinks and innings breaks.

    The board is expected to earn around Rs 2000 crore through media rights in 2016 and if the Lodha panel suggestions are implemented, that kitty will shrink by as much as 75 per cent.

    The concept of ad-free sports telecast is prevalent in Western countries where viewers pay more to watch marquee sports telecasts. "It is for the BCCI and the broadcaster to come up with a business plan which can satisfy all parties. I can't comment on the business side of the arrangement," Mudgal, who is also the deputy chairman of FIFA 's governance committee, added.

    Meanwhile, Mudgal, who is overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), said his report on the state unit would be submitted to the Delhi High Court by July 10.

    "In the last few months, DDCA was able to utilize its money properly but I feel an independent auditor should be examining the accounts. The association also made profit from every game it hosted, which is a great sign. But you have to keep working hard to keep the system running," he said.

    Speaking about the changes he has tried to bring about, Mudgal said, "I have ensured every seat in the stadium is numbered. Now there is no over-sitting inside the stadium. I have also set the template for complimentary tickets. We have created a quota for former international cricketers and Ranji Trophy players, along with age-group cricketers. I hope DDCA will follow this in future."

    "We have also started distributing complimentary tickets to women cricketers. We have provided 800 seats to underprivileged kids and also arranged transportation for them. DDCA also provided free entry for hearing-impaired students. Even I bought tickets for the Test match between India and South Africa. We provided RO water to all cricket fans," he added.


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