ACC's big bet before Asia Cup in India - demand of 1428 crores

Asia Cup 2024: The next edition of the Asia Cup is to be hosted by India in 2025. Before this, the Asian Cricket Council has put forward a proposal for the media rights of the tournament. The ACC has set a base price of $170 million i.e. around Rs 1428.51 crore for this. This will include global television, digital and audio rights of the Men's Asia Cup, Women's Asia Cup, Men's Under-19 Asia Cup, Men's Emerging Team Asia Cup, Women's Under-19 Asia Cup and Women's Emerging Team Asia Cup tournaments. Its auction has been scheduled for November 1, in which broadcasters will have to submit their technical bids in Dubai by October 30 to participate. If broadcasters want the media rights of all these tournaments, then they will have to pay at least Rs 1428.51 crore. The price may also increase in the auction. To woo broadcasters, the ACC has guaranteed to hold at least 2 matches between India and Pakistan. Rights will be available for 8 years

The most premium event of the tournament is the Men's Asia Cup. A total of 4 editions of this are to be played between 2024 and 2031. The ACC is offering a package of media rights for all these 8 years. Let us tell you that the next edition of the Asia Cup is to be played in T20 format in 2025 under the hosting of India. After this, Bangladesh will host it in 2027 which will be played in ODI format. At the same time, the Asia Cup to be hosted by Pakistan in 2029 will be played in T20 format, while the 2031 Asia Cup is to be hosted by Sri Lanka in ODI format. Broadcasters can acquire media rights after paying the auction price.

At least two matches between India and Pakistan

13 matches will be played in each edition of the Asia Cup. During this time, the broadcasters earn the most from the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan. Therefore, the ACC has guaranteed to organize at least 2 matches between the two teams. If both the teams reach the final, there will be a possibility of clashing for the third time. The last edition of Men's Asia was played in a hybrid model, which was hosted by Sri Lanka and Pakistan. During this time, two matches were played between the two countries and both the matches were won by India. According to the ACC tender, 3 Women's Asia Cups will also be played during this period.

Price will be decided in e-auction

ACC has informed that the price and winner of media rights will be decided through e-auction. But to participate in the auction, technical bid will have to be submitted in Dubai by October 30. However, it remains to be seen how many broadcasters show interest in this and participate in the auction. Apart from this, everyone's eyes are on Viacom18-Jio Cinema and Disney Hotstar. Because news of merger of both is coming out.