Every single match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the upcoming broadcast cycle — from years 2023-2027 — will be priced at INR 57.5 crores or USD 7.36 million while the digital broadcast rights for the same will cost INR 50 crore or USD 6.41 million.
A combined bid for both TV and digital broadcast has more than doubled to INR 39,775 crores or USD 5.10 billion — a figure which was confirmed on the second day of the e-auction held by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
On the first day of the online bidding in which the names and identities of the bidders were not revealed on Sunday — something that remained the same on the second day on Monday — the cost of an IPL match had already zoomed past some of the biggest sport events in the world, including the English Premier League.
An IPL game is now the second costliest event after a NFL match, which is a stunning growth in terms of financial value. The NFL has been played since September 1920, while the Indian Premier League (IPL) came into existence only in 2008.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also announced a hike in the pension fee for former men and women cricketers along with former umpires.
According to a release from the BCCI, those who were getting a pension of INR 15,000 will get INR 30,000, those who were getting a pension of INR 22,500 will get INR 45,000, those who were getting a pension of INR 30,000 will get INR 52,500, those who were getting a pension of INR 37,500 will get INR 60,000 and those who were getting a pension of INR 50,000 will get INR 70,000.
“The welfare of our cricketers, be it former or present, is a top priority, and increasing pension amounts is a step in that direction. The BCCI values the contribution the umpires have made over the years and this is one way to express our gratitude for their diligent services to Indian Cricket. A total of around 900 personnel will get the benefit of the scheme with more than 75% of the beneficiaries getting a 100 % raise,”
said the BCCI secretary Jay Shah in the release.
