da aviator aposta： ARY Digital, a Dubai-based multi-channel cable television operator, has bid a record US$48 million for Sri Lanka’s broadcasting and sponsorship rights for the next four years
da dobrowin： Wisden Cricinfo staff27-Jul-2004ARY Digital, a Dubai-based multi-channel cable television operator, has bida record US$48 million for Sri Lanka’s broadcasting and sponsorship rightsfor the next four years.ARY Digital’s bid was larger than WSG Nimbus(US$46.6 million), ESPN Star(US$40.6 million) and Taj Television, the current rightholders, who bid lessthan US$40 million, according to cricket sources. However, Taj Television, another Dubai-based broadcaster which runs TEN Sports, arenot completely out of the running having secured “matching rights” clause intheir current contract. They can win the bidding process by agreeing to payUS$48.5 million.The bids represent a substantial jump in income for Sri Lanka Cricket whichhas been facing financial difficulties during the past two years because ofa legal wrangle with WSG Nimbus. The stiff competition for the rights – which include television, radio, internet, wireless and title sponsorship rights – follows the announcement that the four-year period, from Jan 2005, will include three tours by India.India are due to play triangular series in 2005 and 2006 as well asundertake a full Test and ODI tour in 2008. England and Australia, the twoother most popular visitors, will also tour during the contract period. The bidding, for the first time managed by an independent auditor, was completed onJuly 22.
