Lodha Panel proposal could hit BCCI revenues

New Delhi, February 10 

The BCCI will suffer a financial loss to the tune of Rs 1600 crore if the Lodha Panel’s recommendation on curtailing advertisement breaks during the matches is implemented. The loss of revenue, it is feared, will not only affect the smooth functioning of the country’s richest sporting body but also the development of junior cricket.

According to the BCCI balance sheet, the current operative revenue is approximately Rs 2000 crore, a large chunk of which comes from broadcasting rights and advertisement revenues. But if the Lodha Panel recommendation is implemented — the panel wants advertisements only during lunch, tea and drinks breaks — the revenue would come down to Rs 400 crore.

Star Sports, which has the broadcasting rights of the BCCI matches, currently gives Rs 43 crore per match to the board. The figure will come down to Rs 8-10 crore per match in case the recommendation is implemented.

“We are facing a situation which could lead to a revenue loss of Rs 1600 crore. Star Sports will renegotiate their deal and will maybe pay us only 20-25 percent of the amount that we get currently. Ditto for IPL broadcasters,” said a BCCI official.

BCCI assures tight security 

Amidst speculation that Pakistan might pull out of the World T20 over security issues, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur today said that the “highest kind of security” will be provided to each participating nation during the tournament and that “no country should feel insecure” about playing in India.

“BCCI will organise the World Cup in the nicest possible way and will provide every team with the highest protection. Pakistan is one of the 16 participating teams. The government will provide security to all the teams at all places,” Thakur said. —  PTI, TNS