BCCI includes women's cricket media rights in 'other series', no separate package despite WPL 2023 success

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a strategic move in its media rights policy by incorporating women's international games under the 'Other Series' category. This inclusion places women's matches alongside esteemed domestic fixtures like the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy among others. As specified in the ITT, the essential document for media rights tenders, the 'Other Series' will also cover women's international matches.

The ITT document, spanning 150 pages, clarifies that 'Other Series' will include:

1. 1. Cricket matches by BCCI in India between men's A teams, Women's International matches, women's teams, and age-group teams (both genders) from any country.
   2. Warm-up/practice matches organized by BCCI for visiting teams.
   3. Any other List 'A' matches as directed by BCCI.
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   Notably, while this seems an extension of BCCI's previous policies, women's cricket is carving out its niche. The evidence lies in BCCI's sale of the Women's Premier League (WPL) media rights last year for an impressive Rs 951 crore for five years. The International Cricket Council (ICC), too, has often advocated vigorous marketing for women's matches.
3.  

Unlike BCCI, boards like Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board do differentiate women's games for domestic markets, even though they bundle games for international viewers. The global status of women's cricket has soared recently, drawing attention from cricket enthusiasts. The WPL rights deal further emphasizes this shift.

However, as BCCI is targeting media rights only for men's matches, the rights holders will gain unrestricted access to women's international games. As a broadcaster pointed out during the media rights auction, the focus should be on the overall growth of women's cricket, and not just on the media rights dynamics.

Moreover, in related news, sources suggest that Viacom 18 is poised to secure broadcasting rights for the upcoming T20 Internationals between India and Ireland. Expected to air on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema, Viacom 18's sports content platforms, the series will witness Jasprit Bumrah captaining a secondary Indian team in matches slated for August 18, 20, and 23.

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