Massive time difference is likely to create a live-coverage blackout of the West Indies series but negotiations are still underway to air the series starting tomorrow (3)[/caption]
The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) sources told The Morning Sports yesterday (1) that they were still having negotiations with Cricket West Indies (CWI) on the possibility of having live TV coverage in Sri Lanka of the all-format cricket series between Sri Lanka and West Indies starting tomorrow (3).
“We are still having negotiations with the West Indies cricket board (CWI). But there is no confirmation as yet. Either Star or Sony is likely to telecast the series in this region. We are still trying to have it and waiting for the West Indies board to respond to our request,” an SLRC source said yesterday.
Having reservations
Yet SLRC is having reservations on the live telecasting of the series mainly due to the major time difference (nine and half hours) between Sri Lanka and the venue of the series, Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean Islands.
“The T20 series will be hard for us to generate any revenue because the matches will start here at three in the morning. We have some hope only on the two ODIs that will start around 7.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time,” the above source further explained.
Other than SLRC, the Independence Television Network (ITN) is also trying to air the series and awaiting response from CWI with regard to the finalisation of a broadcaster for the Indian region, the source added.
Star India has got rights?
Yet, reliable sources based in India who are privy to the transaction told The Morning Sports yesterday that Pitch International, the London-based commercial consultant and sponsorship sales agency of CWI, has allegedly struck a deal on Sunday (28 February) with Star Sports India to air the Sri Lanka-West Indies month-long series in this region.
This means that any local channel --in the current situation, either SLRC or ITN-- will have to negotiate with Star Sports to have local terrestrial rights of the series.
Month-long action
Sri Lanka will play three T20Is on 3, 5, and 7 March in Coolidge Cricket Ground, three ODIs on 10, 12, and 14 March at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and two Tests, from 21-25 March and 29 March-2 April at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
The T20I series starts at 6 p.m. Antigua time. The first two ODIs will be day games and the third one will be a day-nighter. Both Tests will be day matches.