PSL’s streaming rights were sold to UK-based betting company, admits PCB

The PCB explained that as soon as the matter came to its notice, it immediately took it up with the media rights partner, something that only led to more criticism from some former players and experts. The fact that ‘bet365’ took bets on the PSL matches throughout the tournament, all the while the PCB was unaware of the situation unfolding, has put the board in a difficult position to explain the happenings.

PCB tried to explain its position by denying and rejecting the assertion that it had entered into, or allowed any of its commercial partners to enter into, any contract or agreement for betting rights with any entity whatsoever.

“The facts are that the PSL’s live-streaming rights outside Pakistan were granted pursuant to an international tender to an international company for three PSL editions 2019 to 2021. The global media rights partner without following the due approval process, awarded the live-streaming rights to a betting company,” a PCB official was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif questioned how this matter had escaped the notice of the PCB, even after 30 matches of the PSL were completed.

“I am surprised the PCB was unaware that its global media right partner had sold the international streaming rights onwards to a betting company,” said Latif