Indo-Pak matches: DD seeks help from PMO

Soon after scripting a success story in Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Office could be roped in to unravel another tangle — teleca...

Soon after scripting a success story in Pakistan, the Prime Minister’s Office could be roped in to unravel another tangle — telecast of cricket matches between India and Pakistan in March.

Doordarshan does not have the rights for the matches to be held in Pakistan in March this year — they lie with Ten Sports — and officials in Prasar Bharati would like the PMO to speak to the Pakistan Cricket Board to help solve it.

BCCI chief Jagmohan Dalmia is scheduled to meet the Corporation’s officials tomorrow to talk cricket. One way out, sources say, is by pointing out that Ten Sports holds the satellite rights; DD would bid for the terrestrial rights.

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The rights were bagged by Ten, promoted by Dubai-based Abdul Rehman Bukhatir, three years ago when DD did not bid. But with Pakistan and India coming closer, DD wants to walk the extra mile as cricket has the potential of keeping glued over 80 million eyes in India.

During the day today, DD and Ten reached an understanding on the former broadcasting daily highlights, but DD is reportedly seeking more.

There is, understandably, a lot of money at stake. Prasar Bharati CEO K.S. Sarma said: ‘‘I expect a one-dayer between India and Pakistan to easily fetch Rs 5 crore. Ten Sports has negligible viewership and we have over 80 million viewers who will be glued to the matches.’’

It is also learnt that bids submitted three years ago could be re-opened again for a review, sources said.