The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to earn PKR 8 to 10 billion from the sale of media rights for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international cricket.
Although two channels are vying to participate, one of them is currently blacklisted due to previous issues related to non-payment. Further, a third Pakistani channel through a partnership with a foreign entity, is looking to enter the bidding process.
Two companies are prepared to compete for the PCB’s production rights, which is another responsibility assigned to it. One of these businesses intends to work with a foreign organization to get broadcasting rights. Traditionally, extensive market research and expert services are used before the rights are sold. It’s still unclear, though, if this process has started in this particular case.
In the past, media rights for PSL and international cricket were sold separately within Pakistan. The approach for this current round of rights allocation has yet to be disclosed. Notably, several former officials are expediting their efforts to secure positions within the PCB before these substantial contracts are finalized. Recently, Babar Hamid, Badar Rafai, and Sohaib Sheikh were also seen attending meetings at Gaddafi Stadium.
Babar Hamid, who was previously the director of commercial operations, has been promoted to the position of commercial and marketing consultant, according to a PCB spokesperson. The official further stated that Hamid was reappointed since there was no proof of prior claims of harassment against him. Given previous job postings by the PCB, there is suspicion that Babar will shortly be named the director of marketing. Usman Wahid, the current Director Commercial, is still not certain of his position in this developing situation.
There’s a possible risk to the job of League Commissioner Naila Bhatti, who is a close assoicate to former head of the management committee Najam Sethi. An advertisement has been disseminated for the Director PSL role, with the possibility of either Sohaib or a former official of a PSL franchise stepping into the position. Sohaib has previously served as Senior General Manager.
Insider sources suggest that CEO Salman Naseer is dissatisfied with Babar Hamid’s appointment, as their past interactions were less than ideal. As the PCB navigates through these pivotal decisions, the cricketing landscape in Pakistan could undergo significant changes.
