Star India bags TV rights for 2 India-WI T20 matches

MUMBAI: Star India has picked up the telecast rights for the upcoming T20 International matches between India and West Indies for Rs 32.4 crore.
This is for the first time that Indian team will be playing on the US soil as the matches are to be played in Florida.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Star India as the telecast partner for the matches on Monday. It said that decision was taken after following a tender, bidding and evaluation process.

According to BCCI sources, the reserve price was kept at Rs 11 crore per match (total Rs 22 crore). Sources also confirmed that Stars’ rival Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) did not bid for the rights.

Anurag Thakur, president of BCCI, commented, “I am pleased to announce that Star India will be the official broadcaster. It will ensure the BCCI is able to guarantee maximum exposure and further increase the visibility of this new initiative.”

Ajay Shirke, secretary, BCCI, said, “Star India has been an excellent partner for the BCCI. They have a deep understanding of the game of cricket, and what it means to the nation. We are pleased to extend our association with them. This agreement also reflects our strategy to develop new markets and fan following.”