BCCI rejects Star Sports’ appeal to display political advertisements during IPL
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined broadcaster Star Sports’ official request to showcase political advertisements during the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. The IPL will start on March 23 with Chennai Super Kings playing Royal Challengers Bangalore at Chepauk.
With the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League fast approaching, the buzz and hype all around could be very much felt, as the biggest names in cricket would be in India for over a month to battle it out for the famous domestic silverware in the sport. Considered to be one of the most viewed sporting events on the international level as well, IPL has served as a big revenue generator for the broadcasters too.
Star Sports purchased the media rights to the IPL back in September 2017 paying a mammoth sum of Rs 16, 347.50 crores and with the Lok Sabha elections almost clashing with the tournament, TOI reported that the broadcasters had written to BCCI last week seeking permission to allow political advertisements during the IPL season.
However, a follow-up article in the Indian express stated that the Indian governing board hasn't been very keen to mix sports with politics and would stick with their policy on this. The Media Rights Agreement, signed between BCCI and Star, clearly states under Clause 8.6 (B) that “slotting of any political and/or religious advertisements during transmission is not permitted.”
The report further added that the issue at hand was discussed in detail during a meeting on Monday after which BCCI decided that they will not allow any political-religious advertisement during a bilateral, international, or domestic tournament that would be organized under its banner.
