The Year’s biggest cricket match

On Tuesday, the BCCI will announce which channel has been awarded telecast rights for the next four years. First auctioned in 1994 for $9 ...

On Tuesday, the BCCI will announce which channel has been awarded telecast rights for the next four years. First auctioned in 1994 for $9 million, the TV rights may fetch up to 30 times that amount now.

WHAT’S ON SALE
Cable TV rights to all India’s Test and ODI matches at home from 2004-08

WHY IT’S HOT
Money: cricket in India fetches the most ad revenue from the sport anywhere in the world

LAST SALE PRICE
$48m for 5-yr deal in 1999

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THE MAIN PLAYERS
Five: Zee, ESPN-Star (ESS), Prasar Bharti, Sony Max, Ten Sports—the first two are serious contenders

WHAT THEY’VE BID
Zee: $260m (Rs 1200 cr) + Rs 95 cr for domestic cricket
ESS: $230m (Rs 1100 cr) l Prasar Bharti: $150m (Rs 675 cr)
Sony Max: $140m (Rs 630 cr)
Ten Sports: $115m (Rs 517 cr)

WHAT THEY’VE PROMISED
It’s not just rights, there are duties too. If what Zee or ESS promise comes true, Indian cricket is set for a sea change
Zee: Will raise domestic cricket with Rs 95 cr and 52-72 days of live coverage
ESS: 100 days of live domestic coverage + daily packages on all domestic events

THE WINNING EDGE
Zee: Reach, number of channels and hard cash
ESS: Track record in sports broadcasting, expertise