Disney Star, the country’s leading broadcaster, is reportedly looking to renegotiate its $3 billion broadcast agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The actual agreement commenced with the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the West Indies, and Disney Star is now seeking an updated assessment of the entire contract value. According to reports, this renegotiation proposal differs from the desire for a World Cup delivery discount.
Star purportedly issued two letters to the ICC, citing issues that were also addressed at last month’s Annual Conference in Colombo. Outgoing Chairman Greg Barclay has met with ICC officials, but it seems like the final decision will be taken by the board, which has ultimate responsibility.
Refund provisions are typically absent from broadcast agreements, so it’s unclear how well Star will be able to convince the ICC to pay.
Star is also requesting a discount of more than $100 million from the last World Cup, citing a variety of factors, including the cancellation of the India-Canada game in Florida on June 15. India matches are high-value events, and the broadcaster claims that the cancellation caused significant financial losses.
Before signing the four-year contract in August 2022, Star had reached an arrangement with ZEE Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE). However, ZEE pulled from the commitment following the failure of its proposed merger with Sony, leaving Star to bear the entire $3 billion cost alone.
Star is also thought to have voiced reservations over the low-scoring semi-final between Afghanistan and South Africa on June 26 in Tarouba, where Afghanistan was bowled out for 56 in 11.5 overs. South Africa chased the goal in less than nine overs, resulting in a lacklustre affair that fell short of World Cup semi-final expectations.
Star also highlighted concerns about the tournament’s marketing approach, match scheduling in the United States, and the low-scoring form of the prominent India-Pakistan game.