IMG-Reliance pulls out of production duties for PSL 2019
IMG-Reliance has stepped away from production duties of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) few hours after TV broadcaster D-Sport suspended its coverage in India. The decision was taken after the massive backlash over the terror attacks in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday.
IMG Reliance, on Sunday, pulled out as the producers of Pakistan Super League in the wake of Pulwama terror attacks. The decision was taken after the massive backlash over the terror attacks in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday. According to an IMG-Reliance official, asking to be anonymous, a mail was sent to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), informing about the decision.
In the mail written to Sohaib Sheikh, General Manager Marketing & Sales of PCB and PSL, and Kamil Khan, General Manager Marketing, Digital Media and Sports Production at Pakistan Cricket Board, Reliance clarified that they wouldn't produce the tournament.
“Due to unfortunate events a couple of days back which resulted in the death of Indian soldiers, IMG Reliance is pulling out with immediate effects, from offering broadcast production services for PSL,” the source confirmed to IndianExpress.com.
“The incident that occurred is deeply regrettable,” it further added.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), late on Sunday night (February 17), issued a statement in response to IMG-Reliance stepping away from the production and they are likely to name a new producer on Monday (February 18).
“We have been informed by IMG Reliance that they will be unable to partner with us for the remaining HBL PSL 2019 and PCB has reserved all its rights. The PCB always had a contingency plan in place, and we are confident we will be in a position to announce the new partner on Monday after the completion of the formalities,” said PCB’s Managing Director Wasim Khan in the statement as reported by The Indian Express.
IMG Reliance bagged the deal to produce and broadcast season 4 of the T20 league in January 2019. The first three seasons of the T20 tournament were produced by UK-based Sunset & Vine.
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