Arif Abbasi raises questions on awarding TV rights
KARACHI: Former Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Arif Ali Khan Abbasi has raised questions over the two separate broadcast deals recently finalised by the board.
“Splitting the bid makes no sense to me. It might be a profitable venture but will remain vague until the details are made public,” said Arif Abbasi while talking to private TV Channel on Sunday night.
“The process also shows the weakness of the PCB’s marketing department which failed to attract international bidders,” he said.
Abbasi also felt that the companies would feel difficulty in carrying out an effective campaign for their respective share. “When one broadcaster would start marketing, and when the other one would begin the same process. It’s pretty confusing for me to figure out,” Arif said.
The PCB, on Friday, concluded the process of sale of media broadcasting rights for the Pakistan vs South Africa series held in October-November 2013 and Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Series played in December 2013-January 2014).
Dubai-based Sports Television bagged the rights for Pakistan and South Africa while another local television channel was awarded the broadcasting rights for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka series.
“Two bidders participated in the bidding process. The Financial Bids of both were evaluated in accordance with the terms of the invitation to tender,” PCB statement said.
Abbasi added that hiring the services of Ehsan Mani was indicative of the fact that the PCB lacked ‘competence’ within. “Awarding a contract to an inexperienced broadcaster says it all. Ehsan Mani is an internationally renowned individual yet no international company, apart from Ten Sports, took interest in the process, then what was the purpose of having Mani,” Abbasi questioned.
“The PCB should make all the relevant details public to clarify the ambiguities,” said Abbasi, who is also an expert on marketing.
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