BCCI Opts Against Separate Package for Indian Women’s Cricket Team
Despite bagging a windfall in WPL Media Rights, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has chosen not to offer a separate package for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. All matches of Harmanpreet Kaur’s side have been grouped into the ‘Other Series’. This includes domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The decision is a continuation of the previous policy, despite the growing relevance of women’s cricket in the country.
Women’s Games Offered for Free
Essentially, the BCCI is offering women’s games for free. With no separate rights and a deal for men’s cricket taking precedence, rights holders have free access to women’s cricket matches in India. This comes despite the BCCI selling WPL Media Rights for a staggering Rs 951 crore, with Viacom18 bagging the rights.
The ITT released by BCCI on the Media Rights clubbed women’s international matches with other domestic fixtures and India A games held in the country. While this is not an uncommon practice, the decision is a little perplexing given the surge in the popularity of the women’s game.
Conclusion
The BCCI’s decision to not offer a separate package for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team is a continuation of the previous policy. Despite the rise of the women’s game in the country, the board is offering women’s games for free, with no separate rights and a deal for men’s cricket taking precedence. This is despite the BCCI selling WPL Media Rights for a staggering Rs 951 crore. While this is not an uncommon practice, the choice is a bit perplexing.