The upcoming edition of the Asia Cup is set to take place in India in 2025, and excitement is already building around the event. Recently, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has announced a significant proposal for media rights that could shape the future landscape of cricket broadcasting.
Media Rights Auction: A Lucrative Opportunity
The ACC has established a base price for the media rights at $170 million, equivalent to approximately ₹1428.51 crore. This package encompasses global television, digital, and audio broadcasting rights for a variety of tournaments. These include 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. The auction for these media rights is set for November 1, 2024, with technical bids due in Dubai by October 30, 2024.
An Attractive Offer for Broadcasters
The ACC is making a compelling pitch to broadcasters by guaranteeing at least two high-profile matches between cricketing rivals India and Pakistan. Given the immense popularity of matches between these two teams, this assurance is expected to attract significant interest from broadcasters eager to capture a substantial audience.
Long-Term Rights: Coverage Established for 8 Years
The Asia Cup is not just a single event; over the span of eight years, four editions of the tournament are scheduled, occurring from 2024 to 2031. The inaugural event in this cycle will be a T20 format Asia Cup hosted by India in 2025, followed by a 2027 edition in ODI format hosted by Bangladesh. Pakistan will host the T20 Asia Cup in 2029, and Sri Lanka will close out the cycle with an ODI format Asia Cup in 2031. This long duration offers broadcasters a strategic opportunity to engage audiences over multiple tournaments.
Highlighting Key Matches
Each edition of the Asia Cup will feature 13 matches, and the broadcast revenue will heavily hinge on the anticipated clashes between India and Pakistan. The ACC confirms that at least two of these much-anticipated matches will take place, with the potential for a third if both teams reach the finals. This guarantees some of the most exciting and lucrative content for broadcasters, reminiscent of the last edition held under a hybrid model, where India clinched victory in both matches against Pakistan.
The E-Auction Process
Deciding the price and the winning broadcaster will happen through an e-auction process. Interested parties must submit their technical bids by October 30, 2024, to engage in the auction on November 1, 2024. This innovative bidding approach allows for dynamic pricing and a competitive marketplace. All eyes are particularly focused on major players like Viacom18-Jio Cinema and Disney Hotstar, amid negotiations concerning possible mergers.
The Future of Broadcasting in Cricket
The Asia Cup 2025 media rights auction is more than just a financial transaction; it represents the shifting dynamics of cricket broadcasting. With the increasing influence of digital platforms and the viewership potential of cricket, broadcasters must strategically assess their bids to secure a position in this fast-evolving media landscape.
As we countdown to the auction, the anticipation for the Asia Cup 2025 continues to grow, promising thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and plenty of excitement for cricket fans worldwide.
