The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Thursday thatViacom 18 had obtained the BCCI rights for both linear and digital platforms forthe ensuing five years. Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary, made the announcement.The BCCIs relationship with Disney Star, which had notably retained the rights in2018 began with a spectacular agreement valued at INR 6,138 crore, ended with thismove.Jay confirmed the development on his official X account. “Congratulations@viacom18 for winning the @BCCI Media Rights for both linear and digital for thenext 5 years. India Cricket will continue to grow in both spaces as after @IPL, and@wplt20, we extend the partnership @BCCI Media Rights as well. Together wewill continue to capture the imagination of Indian cricket fans.”Congratulations @viacom18 🤝 for winning the @BCCI Media Rights for both linear and digital for the next 5 years. India Cricket will continue to grow in both spaces as after @IPL, and @wplt20, we extend the partnership @BCCI Media Rights as well. Together we will continue to…— Jay Shah (@JayShah) August 31, 2023 The BCCI secretary also thanked Disney and Star for their “support” in developingIndian cricket. “Also, a big thank you to @starindia @DisneyPlusHS for yoursupport over the years. You played a key role in making India Cricket reach its fansacross the globe,”.Also a big thank you to @starindia @DisneyPlusHS for your support over the years. You played a key role in making India Cricket reach its fans across the globe. 2/2— Jay Shah (@JayShah) August 31, 2023 According to reports, Viacom will shell out INR 67.8 crore per game under theagreement. The terms of the agreement will run until March 2028 and Viacom 18will air a total of 88 cricket matches. The term begins with a three-match One DayInternational (ODI) series against Australia in late September.Before this, the network had already secured the digital rights for the IndianPremier League (IPL) as well as the linear and digital broadcasting rights for theWomens Premier League (WPL) This strategic move showcases Viacom 18sgrowing prominence in the realm of Indian cricket broadcasting.Backed by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries and under the leadership ofUday Shankar, Viacom 18, will be making a significant investment of ₹5966.4 croreover a span of five years.
