Despite bagging a windfall in WPL Media Rights, the BCCI has opted against a separate package for the Indian Women’s Cricket Team. Matches involving Harmanpreet Kaur’s side have been clubbed in ‘Other Series’. Those include domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The policy is a continuation of the previous policy, despite the rise in relevance of the women’s game in the country.
In essence, the BCCI is offering women’s games for ‘free’. With no separate rights and a deal for men’s cricket paramount, rights holders have free access to women’s cricket matches in India. This is despite BCCI selling WPL Media Rights for a staggering Rs 951 crore, with Viacom18 bagging the rights.
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The ITT released by BCCI on the Media Rights clubbed women’s international matches with other domestic fixtures and India A games held in the country. While it is not an uncommon practice, the decision is a little surprising given BCCI’s landmark deal for the Women’s IPL.
Cricket Australia and the England Cricket Board also bundle women’s cricket rights with all international matches. CA, however, offer a distinction between Women’s International matches and the Women’s Big Bash League. The ICC, on the other hand, had a separate package for women’s matches. The global body in fact has often reiterated its interest in marketing women’s sport vigourously.
“It’s not merely about the coupling or decoupling of women’s matches with men’s, or broadcasters obtaining women’s internationals for free. It’s about the larger picture, which is the progress of women’s cricket,” a broadcaster told Cricbuzz.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s side are scheduled to host New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and West Indies in bilateral women’s cricket over the next three years.
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