Pakistan are currently facing Bangladesh for the two-Test match series and the match has not been telecasted in India because there is no Bangladesh broadcaster involved in this match because of the ongoing political turmoil in their country. After this series, the Men in Green will host England for three Test match series scheduled to start from October 7 and there are chances that could be subject to a TV blackout. The reason for the blackout is no UK broadcaster has yet bid for the series. According to The Guardian, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a tender last month without receiving any bids or expressions of interest from UK broadcasters.
Sky Sports, which previously held the exclusive rights for England’s Test series and had broadcast their historic 3-0 win in Pakistan in December 2022, has confirmed that they will not be bidding for this series. Similarly, TNT Sport have decided not to enter negotiations for the rights. This shift highlights a significant change from the past when Sky Sports had a long-standing tradition of covering England’s away Test series in the UK.
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SKY’s strategic withdrawal
Sky’s decision to withdraw from bidding for overseas rights reflects a broader strategy to focus on securing exclusive rights for England’s home series and major international events like the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and the Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan next year. This strategic choice is driven by an analysis of the costs associated with purchasing and producing overseas cricket coverage, which often does not result in a significant increase in subscribers, especially when compared to their extensive football programming.
The series will play a crucial role in the run to World Test Championship Final. Pakistan is currently ranked 6th while England is ranked 7th in the rankings.
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