Xtra Time Web Desk: After bagging the IPL Media Rights, Viacom18 has also procured the media rights for Women’s IPL. Viacom has committed Rs 951 crore to the BCCI. This means that the broadcaster will pay the BCCI per match value of INR 7.09 crores for the next 5 years (2023-27). The news comes as a massive development for women’s cricket. BCCI secretary Jay Shah later confirmed the development.
BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah said, “I am really thrilled that we have had such an encouraging response for a league that will revolutionise women’s cricket not just in India but across the globe. This is a commitment I had made to the Board and our women cricketers and today we have taken one big leap. The broadcasters play a key role in taking the game to a wider audience and their active interest in the league is a clear indication that the Women’s Indian Premier League is headed in the right direction. The per-match valuation of Rs INR 7.09 crore is something that has never previously been registered for a women’s game. I congratulate Viacom18 for securing both the TV and digital rights with a combined bid of INR 951 crores and welcome them on Board. The journey has well and truly started and we will take another major step this month when the five franchises are announced.”
Sharing his views, IPL Governing Council official Arun Singh Dhumal said, “The faith of all our bidders for this process also testifies that they see value in investing in this property which will only be growing with each passing year. Women’s cricket has shown immense growth in the past few years and our own T20 league, it only solidifies our approach towards women’s cricket and the potential it has for growth in India. I would once again like to congratulate Viacom18 and would also like to thank all our bidders for supporting and showing faith in our prospects.”