WIPL 2023: BCCI postpones WIPL Media Rights Auction to January 16, raises eyebrows with new conditions, teams auction to take place later in January

Women’s IPL 2023: WIPL 2023 Media Rights – The BCCI have postponed the WIPL Media Rights Auction by four days adding a few conditions. The Indian cricket board has added contingency clauses should the Women’s IPL not kick off in March. Earlier, the media rights were to go under the hammer on January 12. Follow WIPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN

Also Read: Women IPL 2023 Media RIGHTS: 3 way battle coming UP on 12th January, Disney Star, ZEE-SONY, Viacom set to BID for WIPL RIGHTS: Follow LIVE Updates

WIPL 2023: BCCI postpones WIPL Media Rights Auction to January 16, raises eyebrows with new conditions, teams auction to take place later in January – Follow LIVE Updates

As per Cricbuzz, the media rights auction for the WIPL 2o23 was postponed by four days. The BCCI had initially set to be held on January 12 but is now shifted to January 16. The Indian cricket board attached a few conditions, suggesting that the agreement would turn void if the WIPL does not take place.

“If for any reason, 5 (five) Teams are not constituted to play in the League in Season 2023 or the League is not organized in Season 2023, then all the Media Rights Agreements shall stand terminated,” the BCCI has mentioned in the Invitation To Tender (ITT) document.

While the clause does raise eyebrows, an IPL official downplayed those suggesting legalities. However another clause was added suggesting that BCCI does not guarantee the participation of all five teams.

The ITT says, “It is important to note that once the 5 (five) Teams are selected, participation by a Team in the League is subject to various terms and conditions, and BCCI is not providing any assurance or guarantee regarding participation of all 5 (five) Teams.”

WIPL 2023: BCCI postpones WIPL Media Rights Auction to January 16, raises eyebrows with new conditions, teams auction to take place later in January – Follow LIVE Updates

InsideSport has learnt, top 3 broadcasters and OTT platforms of the country are ‘very interested’ in bidding for WIPL Media Rights. All 3 i.e Disney+ Star, Sony-ZEE Combine & Viacom18 will bid for the WIPL Media Rights. The BID SUBMISSION date is January 16th.

InsideSport reached out to all 3 broadcasters to check their interest in WIPL Media Rights bidding. Though no one at this stage is ready to come officially on record – but all 3 confirmed their interests in bidding for WIPL.

All 3 top broadcasters are looking at Women Cricket as the ‘GROWTH VEHICLE’ for sport of cricket and no one wants to miss the bus.

It is worth noting that the BCCI hasn’t kept a base price for MEDIA RIGHTS Tender.

The Media tender was recently floated for the 2023-2027 period.
The tender was available for purchase till December 31.
More than 10 parties have picked Tender.
The bid submission will take place on January 16.
The BCCI will follow a closed bidding process to award media rights for Women’s IPL.

WIPL 2023: BCCI postpones WIPL Media Rights Auction to January 16, raises eyebrows with new conditions, teams auction to take place later in January – Follow LIVE Updates

Meanwhile, the auctions for the WIPL teams will take place at the end of January. The BCCI recently announced the release of ITT for WIPL franchise ownership. IPL franchises like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals are believed to be interested in owning a WIPL team. A few outside parties too are believed to be interested in owning a WIPL franchise.

Already interest for acquiring the WIPL franchises is huge. Mohit Burman, who is also chairman of Dabur India Ltd, said that the women’s IPL holds potential. His interest in the tournament could also encourage the others to consider investing.

“We are not sure of the base price. The quantum of money required to acquire a team will be clear once the media rights are in place,” Burman said, adding that selling the media rights first was the right thing to do. “That way, all the bidders can get some visibility on what they’ll get back,” Burman added.

Other than PBKS, Chennai Super Kings have also expressed their interest in purchasing a Women’s IPL team. With five teams up for grabs, CSK have picked up the tender alongside several interested parties. One of the most successful IPL teams, CSK remain keen to be a part of the new WIPL. Several other IPL franchises are also interested in the same.

“We’ve applied to buy the bid document. Now we’ll have to find out about the economics of it. We are interested. If CSK doesn’t have a women’s team, it may not look good. We’d like to promote women’s cricket,” CSK CEO Kashi Viswanathan told TOI.