Although Pakistan currently does not have trade relations with India, the state-run television – PTV (Pakistan Television) – has inked a deal with Indian broadcasters for the coverage of sports events, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.
Interestingly, it is claimed that the agreement was executed without taking the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting into confidence.
But at the same time, the no-objection certificate (NOC) for disbursing payment to the Indian broadcasters is on the federal cabinet’s agenda.
It is the PTV Sports that obtained landing rights from them for airing different cricket series/matches and ICC World Cup. In this connection, the channel would have to pay money to the Indian broadcasters till 2023.
Accordingly, the approval for paying $635,500 for broadcasting English Premier League and Pakistan-Australia cricket series would be obtained from the cabinet.
The PTV management signed this deal with the Indian broadcasters in September under which the PTV Sports would now be able to air cricket series thanks to the agreement with Ten Sports.
It is important to note that the Indian broadcasters have the television rights for ICC till 2023.