Lahore September 6, 2013: Pakistan Cricket Board has concluded the process of sale of media broadcasting rights for the Pakistan Vs South Africa series (October-November 2013) and Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka Series (December 2013-January 2014).
The sale process was conducted by a Bids Committee headed by former ICC President Mr. Ehsan Mani and included another independent member Justice (R) Shabbar Raza Rizvi. The entire process was monitored by independent Audit Firm Ernst & Young. In addition, a member of PCB’s Board of Governors Mr. Rafiq Bughio was also present to observe the entire process to ensure its transparency and integrity. It was in accord with the day to day running of the PCB by caretaker chairman Najam Sethi since only rights for the previously scheduled home series in the UAE in the next three months were put up for sale.
The process was conducted in accordance with international best practices which included invitation of tenders through newspaper advertisement and receipt and opening of the bids being done through regimented standard operating procedures. The bids opening and finalization of offers was spread over two days.
The bids were opened and announced in the presence of the bidders’ representatives.
Describing the process, PCB spokesman said “
Two bidders participated in the bidding process. The Financial Bids of both were evaluated in accordance with the terms of the Invitation to Tender. As a result of this process, the offer from Ten Sports for South Africa series, being the highest and the offer of Geo for Sri Lanka series also being the highest was recommended by the Bids Committee to the Board of Governors of PCB for approval. This approval has since been received the media rights for the two tours have accordingly been awarded and this transparent tender process has been concluded.”
The PCB will not be announcing the rights fee amounts finalized for these tours. However, the offers finalized are significantly higher than the values that PCB had received for these series under the previous media rights contract.
