As BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is set to become the next ICC Chairman, the organization is grappling with a significant issue involving its broadcast rights deal with Star India. Shah is expected to formally assume the role in December 2024, but tensions are rising over the renegotiation of a substantial $4.46 billion deal.
Key Developments
- Upcoming ICC Chair: Jay Shah is poised to succeed Greg Barclay as ICC Chairman. Barclay, who has served since November 2020, will step down at the end of November 2024.
- Election Process: ICC directors are required to submit nominations for the new chair by August 27, 2024. If there are multiple candidates, an election will be held. The new chair’s term begins on December 1, 2024.
Broadcast Deal Controversy
- Star India’s Position: Star is seeking a significant reduction in the valuation of its broadcast deal. This move comes in response to dissatisfaction with high operational costs from the ICC T20 World Cup held in the USA.
- Previous Agreement: In 2022, Star secured broadcasting rights for ICC events from 2024 to 2027, intending to sell part of these rights to ZeeTV to aid Zee’s merger with Sony. However, the merger fell through, leaving Star as the sole rights holder.
- Financial Implications: The collapse of the ZeeTV deal means Star is now responsible for the entire payment, leading to its request for a substantial cut in the deal’s valuation.
Impact on ICC
The dispute with Star could affect the ICC’s financial stability and operations. As Shah prepares to step into the chairmanship, resolving this broadcast deal issue will be a critical challenge for his upcoming tenure.