The controversy that the Indian establishment courts is never-ending. Just recently they announced that both Sky and the BBC would have to pay an extra large sum of money to cover the English tour to India. While the situation with Sky may have had its issues, the one involving the BBC seems to be a silly one and also one that could break one of English cricket's ancient traditions.
Test match special, the radio broadcast of the cricket matches, may have to be broadcast out of the BBC's headquarters in London rather than at the ground. This would be the first time since the mid 1970's that Test match special would be absent from a venue during an English test. Founded in 1957, the broadcast itself is iconic and at one point, used to be heard all over the world. Commerce seems to be more important to Indian administrators than the cricket itself. Fans will hope that a tradition as old as the googly will remain intact.
The situation with broadcasters reeks of greed and a complete lack of ethics. Asking Sky to pay an extra 500,000 pounds to broadcast on their own seems a little exorbitant. The English channel has covered English cricket for a long time but may not be present on site just like the BBC. Normally, the host broadcaster would provide assistance to visiting broadcast teams but Star TV do not control the rights which lie with the board. If the BCCI are attempting world domination, they seem to be on the right track. Decisions like these will not make many friends but they will enhance the coffers of the organisation.
This situation seems to be one with a simple solution. However, with the kind of clout that the BCCI carry, it would not surprise me if Sky and the BBC both fall in line. India's financial clout in world cricket is well known but a great English swindle seems to be on the cards. A bit reminiscent of the 2007 World Cup, and not honoring a time-honored tradition.
Test match special, the radio broadcast of the cricket matches, may have to be broadcast out of the BBC's headquarters in London rather than at the ground. This would be the first time since the mid 1970's that Test match special would be absent from a venue during an English test. Founded in 1957, the broadcast itself is iconic and at one point, used to be heard all over the world. Commerce seems to be more important to Indian administrators than the cricket itself. Fans will hope that a tradition as old as the googly will remain intact.
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| The Test Match Special team may not reach Indian shores |
The situation with broadcasters reeks of greed and a complete lack of ethics. Asking Sky to pay an extra 500,000 pounds to broadcast on their own seems a little exorbitant. The English channel has covered English cricket for a long time but may not be present on site just like the BBC. Normally, the host broadcaster would provide assistance to visiting broadcast teams but Star TV do not control the rights which lie with the board. If the BCCI are attempting world domination, they seem to be on the right track. Decisions like these will not make many friends but they will enhance the coffers of the organisation.
This situation seems to be one with a simple solution. However, with the kind of clout that the BCCI carry, it would not surprise me if Sky and the BBC both fall in line. India's financial clout in world cricket is well known but a great English swindle seems to be on the cards. A bit reminiscent of the 2007 World Cup, and not honoring a time-honored tradition.
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