ITV

Category: Sports

  • PVP Ventures sign participation agreement for ISL

    PVP Ventures sign participation agreement for ISL

    MUMBAI: PVP Ventures has announced the participation agreement between PVP Ventures and Football Sports Development (an SPV that was formed by IMG Reliance; Star India and All India Football Federation).

     

    With this development, PVP Ventures has become eligible to own a football team and participate in the Indian Super League which is being organised by Football Sports Development.

     

    On 21 April, PVP Ventures had informed that it was one of the successful league partners of the ISL and represented the Kochi franchise.

     

    The Indian Super League’s inaugural season is slated to start in September 2014.

  • ICC World T20 2014: Most watched international T20 tournament

    ICC World T20 2014: Most watched international T20 tournament

    MUMBAI: The recently concluded ICC World T20 2014 has emerged as the most watched international T20 tournament ever on television as well as the digital platform in India. A record 13.31 crore people across the country watched the mega sporting event, according to data provided by TAM.

     

    There has been a 23.4 per cent higher viewership than the 2012 edition and more than 57 per cent compared to the 2010 edition. As per standard industry conversions, around 39 crore Indians watched the ICC World T20, this year.

       

    The 2014 edition has generated a record 1222951 TVTs. This is almost 45 per cent higher than the 844400 TVTs generated during the ICC World T20 2012 edition. The six India matches in ICC World T20 have generated 672861 TVTs which again is a record for any ICC World T20. India matches during the 2012 edition had generated 396801 TVTs. The TAM data is based on ICC World T20’s broadcast on SD channels Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 3 across the country, with the target group of CS 4+.

     

    Meanwhile on the digital platform starsports.com, the video streaming of ICC World T20 has garnered unprecedented traction on the digital domain. The ICC World T20 final between India and Sri Lanka on starsports.com attracted a record 19.3 lakh unique individuals watching video on the destination, delivering an unprecedented 37.6 lakh visits. Also video streaming of the same event on starsports.com generated 2.24 crore visits.

     

    Overall, starsports.com attracted more than 80.9 lakh users during the fortnight long tournament delivering more than 2.24 crore visits. The consumer interactivity on starsports.com is growing at a dramatic pace. During the last 4 matches played by India, a total of 101 million live minutes of video was consumed by users with an average of more than 30 minutes per live view.

     

    Star India head of sports business Nitin Kukreja said, “Our aim is to consistently re-shape and enrich consumer experience. During this edition, we introduced innovations like the LED stumps; there was increased focus on analytics and graphics to augment consumer engagement. The invitation to the consumer was done via a high decibel ‘Duniya Badlegi campaign’ which generated global level engagement. We are enthused with the positive feedback on the unprecedented production and broadcast effort. This will motivate us further to set even higher benchmarks in the future.”

  • We are considering the option of holding IBL early next year: TPS Puri

    We are considering the option of holding IBL early next year: TPS Puri

    MUMBAI: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has decided to shift the second edition of the premier Indian Badminton League (IBL) to early next year, over concerns of a busy international schedule. The Indian Badminton League for this year was supposed to be held from 30 September to 15 October.

    BAI vice president – administration TPS Puri said, “The first edition of the IBL was a grand success and badminton lovers are eagerly awaiting the second season. However, we want to ensure that all the top players are available for the tournament and that looks difficult this year due to the busy international schedule.”

    “Though a final call is yet to be taken, we are considering the option of holding the tournament early next year,” he added.

     

    Contrary to his statement, sources close to BAI say that the Badminton World Federation (BWF), international sports body of the organisation, had approached the Badminton Association of India to shift the dates, as it coincides with the Denmark Open Super Series, which will be held from 14-19 October.

    The inaugural edition of the IBL which was held in August, last year, was a huge success. The league had the backing and strong support of corporates, players and badminton fans in India.

  • YSCE joins hands with BBCCT

    YSCE joins hands with BBCCT

    MUMBAI: Yuvraj Singh Centre of Excellence ties up with Bishen Bedi Cricket Coaching Trust to provide world class training facilities to the budding cricketers. Under this alliance, cricket camps will be conducted across country to select a team that will further be taken to different countries to expose the young cricketers to the international cricket scenario.

     

    Sharing his excitement on this alliance, Yuvraj Singh said, “It is a moment of great pride and honour to me as my own guru has joined hands with my academy. Bishen Paaji has not only taught me the game but has installed human values to be grounded in life as well. I would like to see more and more young learn from him and become better sportsmen. I am yet to meet more passionate and dedicated coach who works at grassroots level and promote the young talent.”

     

    “Yuvraj is one of our founder students and what an impact player he’s been for the cause of Indian cricket.  Yuvi makes us all in BBCCT feel very humble & grounded. We at the BBCCT would be only too glad & privileged to join hands with YSCE to ‘get on with the game’ in right earnest! While it is important to stay abreast with modern cricket in all its three formats, it is equally significant to hang on to the true values of the game of cricket, which for me, are of real essence as far as passing on of the gospel of cricket as a character builder is concerned. I am hoping for a powerful and intense training camp with all the young trainees.”

     

    The first camp will be organized on the outskirts of Nangal in Punjab. Bishen Singh Bedi will supervise and organize a tough and competitive training camp for the kids. YSCE will bring in its excellent coaching facility and will help Bishen Singh Bedi to groom the young cricketers. The association has also made special provisions for the players from financially unstable family backgrounds to give an opportunity to all the budding cricketers.

     

    Trial dates for the camps will be announced shortly.

  • Extraaa Innings T20 uses Twitter as second screen

    Extraaa Innings T20 uses Twitter as second screen

    MUMBAI: Extraaa Innings T20, the flagship match analysis showfor Pepsi IPL on Sony MAX & Sony SIX have upped their ante with an innovative& unique digital association with Twitter this year to drive viewership and engagement for the show. Multiple new features will be introduced on the show and will seamlessly be integrated with the Twitter platform to make it an interactive and enjoyable experience for viewers.

     

    One of the most interesting integrations is “Tweet to unlock”. Viewers of the show will have a chance to unlock exclusive, fun Extraaa Innings T20 content on-air by tweeting with #eit20. On reaching the desired retweet target, users will be gratified for their efforts by getting to see the special content during the next airing of the EI T20 show.For the first time through “Twitter Mirror” the show will use personalized photo experience exclusively from the sets of EI T20 to allow the hosts, cricketers and celebrity guests to tweet out candid pictures and share customized messages with viewers through the @sonymax& @sonysixhashtag account.

     

    Through an “interactive Q&A” initiative, fans can also interact with the acclaimed panellists and guests who come on the show by addressing their questions under the hashtag #eit20. The most interesting questions asked on #eit20 will be answered live on-air. That’s not all. Extraaa Innings T20 will showcase behind-the-scenes in six secondsusing looping“Vine Videos” to give fans a sneak peek into the making of the show in real-time by tweeting them out from @sonymax and @sonysix before, during and after the show.

     

     “In India, Twitter has enabled our users to experience and participate in the biggest media moments that matter to them and has become the second screen for television. We are happy to see Extraaa Innings T20 using Twitter to help viewers connect with the show’s talent and content in real time and make the most of our unique mobile service.”Twitter India Market Director, Rishi Jaitly, said.

     Speaking on the occasion, Vaishali Sharma, VP Marketing& Communications, Sony MAX said, “Through this unique association, Sony MAX &Sony SIX are striving to capitalize on this popular and effective medium to draw in more fans. Twitter works as the perfect forum to stimulate the digitally savvy viewer. Our association with twitter will bring viewers closer to Extraaa Innings T20 through integrations that are designed to enhance their experience.”

  • ICC and ECB float RFPs for world cup 2019 brand identity

    ICC and ECB float RFPs for world cup 2019 brand identity

     MUMBAI: The ICC and the England and the Wales cricket board (ECB); who will be hosting the mega cricket event in the summer of 2019, have invited proposals from companies interested in providing the brand identity for the flagship ICC event.

     

     The ICC, along with the ECB, will be involved in the development of the new brand identity to ensure sufficient flexibility across a diverse range of touch points that will be required of the brand. The selection procedure for these proposals shall consist of a technical evaluation of each proposal examining each applicant’s ability to provide the services in accordance with the requirements; a financial evaluation of each proposal examining each applicant’s ability to secure and offer the best possible prices in connection with the services; and an evaluation of each applicant’s suitability, experience and qualifications, including (without limitation) its compliance with the criteria as well as the organisational structure and infrastructure proposed by the applicant to provide the services.

     

    The ICC Development International Limited (IDI) after careful consideration and thorough examination of the proposals will select applicants whose proposal satisfies the criteria and the requirements mentioned in the RFP. The competitiveness of the financial terms offered may not necessarily be a decisive factor in choosing between proposals by the IDI.

     

    This RFP has been designed to attract applications from companies that have an extensive, proven track record in the design of sporting event identities, preferably on a global scale, along with a talented and experienced design team capable of committing itself to the project over an extended period of time.

     

    Timelines for the development of the strategy and event brand design along with an in-depth description of the required services are available in the RFP. To begin with, interested parties need to submit their intent-to-submit letter along with a cost estimate and brief summary of credentials.

  • Sky Sports continues to hold exclusive Masters broadcasting rights

    Sky Sports continues to hold exclusive Masters broadcasting rights

    MUMBAI: The Masters will continue to stay with Sky Sports, as the sole home of the event in UK from 2015 onward, as per the new multi-year agreement.

     

    The arrangement contains exclusive live coverage of all four days of golf’s first Major of the year, including rounds one and two from the Augusta National Golf Club. Additional coverage will include daily highlights, detailed views and analysis, and content on red button, tablets and online. The channel will also have exclusive rights to the Par 3 contest, which is held every year on the Wednesday of Masters week.

     

    Sky Sports MD Barney Francis said in a statement: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Augusta National. The Masters is more than a Major, it is a magical tournament played on a magnificent golf course, producing incredible golf every year. Only on Sky Sports can viewers enjoy all four days live, plus the annual Par 3 Contest with extra coverage across a variety of platforms. We look forward to continuing our coverage of the Masters and providing the coverage this unique golf event deserves.”

     

    Sky Sports has broadcast the tournament since first receiving the rights in 2011. It also holds live-coverage rights to major golfing tourneys such as the US Open, the US PGA Championship and the PGA Tour, among others.

  • IPL 7: Ready, steady, Po!

    IPL 7: Ready, steady, Po!

    Just a day to go for that spectacle called the Indian Premiere League and already, the season has seen more than its fair share of twists and turns!

     

    Apart from the fact that the upcoming tournament coincides with the 16th general elections – bringing back the ghost of IPL season two that had to be organised on South African shores because it collided with the polls here – there have been other changes as well. Right from the omission of Pune Warriors India as a franchise (earlier, Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers Kerala faced termination as well) to N Srinivasan losing his chair to cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar being appointed as the BCCI-IPL interim president on the order passed by the Supreme Court.

     

    Also, IPL is down to eight teams just like it was when it first kicked off, with the number of matches down to 60, of which, the first 20 will be played in the UAE and the remaining ones back home beginning 2 May.

     

    So before the action begins, here’s looking at some of the things the franchises need to make note of before they forge ahead:

     

    Maintaining momentum

     

    Back in 2009, when IPL had to shift to South Africa due to general elections, there were a lot of logistical issues that caused trouble for the franchises. While shifting to UAE this time round may look simpler because of the similarity in conditions, the teams will have to do some adjusting when they shift back to India in early May.

     

    The return to India could be more a psychological blow for the teams because while there will be bigger crowds and greater support back home, migrating back to India from the UAE with wins under their belts may prove a daunting task for the teams.

     

    They will have to make the psychological adjustment and rework their strategy to better suit Indian conditions. If any side gains momentum in the UAE, it is crucial that they win the first few games during the Indian leg to keep wheel of fortune turning. As far as the conditions go, it may become easier for the teams in India as the heat wouldn’t be as intense as that of the UAE. The pitches too would be a lot more familiar.

     

    Thus, it would all boil down to how well a franchise returns and gets moving in India. It may be a challenge for the teams that are winning, but those who struggle in the UAE may welcome the return to home conditions and that could work in their favour. So buckle up for some high adrenaline action in the first week of May.

     

    Sponsors fighting shy of IPL?

     

    What began as a fledgling franchise in 2008 is today a world-renowned property with brand value pegged at $3.03 billion in 2013 and the highest at $4.13 billion in 2010.

     

    But, 2014 seems to be a troubling year for IPL franchisees, what with the recent controversies, uncertainty about the fate of the tournament (this season), and the decision to take the first half to UAE having made sponsors put on their guard.

     

    According to an American Appraisal India report of 2013, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians emerged as the most powerful brands valued at $72 million each; followed by Kolkata Knight Riders ($69 million) and Royal Challengers Bangalore ($51 million). Rajasthan Royals ($45 million) and Delhi Daredevils ($40 million) were somewhere in the middle, while Kings XI Punjab ($32 million) and Sunrisers Hyderabad ($25 million) sat at the bottom of the pile.

     

    Each team is trying to claw its way back with operational improvements however, trust flows with stakeholders will eventually determine the health of IPL’s long-term liquidity and profitability. For the current eight teams to sustain, their short-term operational movements need to be aligned with their strategic plans for the tourney.

     

    For example, Kings XI Punjab has had its number of sponsors come down to just two from 15 in 2013. Till last season, the franchise had NVD Solar as its title sponsor for three years, along with Arise Inverters and Batteries, Raindrops Basmati, Lux Cozi, ACC, USL and McDowell’s No. 1 as official team partners. But this season, it has only USL and TK Sports on board as sponsors with the tourney at the doorstep.

     

    GMR group owned-Delhi Daredevils seems to have undergone a makeover this season with a new-look squad, new logo and new sponsor – Quikr. Till last year, the Muthoot Group was its title sponsor, but it did not wish to renew its contract and thus, it opened the doors for the e-commerce portal to step-in as the title sponsor for a period of three years. Apart from Muthoot, other premiere sponsors including Bajaj Allianz, Coca-Cola India, Matrix and consumer goods company Panasonic have also opted out of sponsorship deals this season.

     

    Other franchisees such as Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are facing a different challenge. While these teams have managed to get some sponsors on board, the sponsorship rates have taken a pounding. Delay in the announcement of the venue and the controversies surrounding the tourney have impacted business this year, according to most trade pundits.

     

    So how are the teams facing up to these challenges?

     

    With the playing field down to just eight teams, it will lead to intense battles on the field that will hopefully lead to great last over finishes, creating an enthralling experience for the fans.

     

    Last season winners and maiden title holder Mumbai Indians, will square off with 2012 winners Kolkata Knight Riders on April 16 to kick-off the tourney at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

     

    The league is scheduled to culminate on 1 June 2014, to crown the champions for season seven of the Pepsi Indian Premiere League. Here is a brief description of the teams competing for the coveted title this time around.

     

    Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

     

    Team (from): MS Dhoni (Captain), Suresh Raina, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Faf du Plessis, Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Ashish Nehra, Mohit Sharma, Samuel Badree, Ben Hilfenhaus, Matt Henry, B Aparajith, Mithun Manhas, Ishwar Pandey, Pawan Negi, Vijay Shankar, Ronit More, John Hastings.

     

    One of the most successful franchises in the league, having won the title twice (2010 and 2011) under the leadership of M S Dhoni (also captain of Team India); one of the major reasons for the success of CSK is the stability and collective effort in the team. They always have a chance to win the cup and this year is no different.

     

    Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

     

    Team (from): Virat Kohli (Captain), Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Yuvraj Singh, Parthiv Patel, Albie Morkel, Mitchell Starc, Ashok Dinda, Ravi Rampaul, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nic Maddinson, Varun Aaron, Vijay, Sachin Rana, Yogesh Takawale, Abu Nechim Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Shadab Jakati, Sandeep Warrier, Harshal Patel, Tanmay Mishra.

     

    The most flamboyant team among all, with the likes of Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, but it hasn’t really used its resources well to conquer the league. The best result for the team was in 2011, when they came second to CSK. With some real match winners, and Kohli currently in top form, the Challengers need to really put the pedal to the metal (bat to the ball) from the word go this season.

     

    Delhi Daredevils (DD)

     

    Team (from): Kevin Pietersen (Captain), M Vijay, Dinesh Karthik, JP Duminy, Manoj Tiwary, Quinton de Kock, Mohammed Shami, Rahul Sharma, Saurabh Tiwary, Laxmi Ratan Shukla, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Shahbaz Nadeem, Ross Taylor, Milind Kumar, Wayne Parnell, HS Sharath, Jayant Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, James Neesham, Kedar Jadhav, Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Shukla, Siddharth Kaul.

     

    This is one team that has just drifted away after beginning strongly in the first two seasons. The team really needs to play to its strengths and take each match as it comes. The strategy needs to be very clear; first to reach the play-offs and then the semi-final and if the team plays to its strength, play the final. With the temperamental Pietersen at the helm of things, it will be interesting to see the approach of the team this season.

     

    Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

     

    Team (from): Gautam Gambhir (Captain), Sunil Narine, Jacques Kallis, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Umesh Yadav, Vinay Kumar, Morne Morkel, Piyush Chawla, Manish Pandey, Veer Pratap Singh, Chris Lynn, Andre Russell, SS Mandal, Pat Cummins, Debabrata Das, Suryakumar Yadav, Manvinder Bisla, Ryan ten Doeschate, Kuldeep Yadav.

     

    The Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise, was lost till it found a leader in Gautam Gambhir and have stood by him. Under Gambhir, KKR lifted the cup in 2012 and can certainly be a strong contender for this season as well. The team banks on a good mix of youth and experience, with Kallis and Gambhir giving stability to the batting. If Sunil Narine can spin his web yet again and Yusuf Pathan along with new entrant Robin Uthappa create some magic, the Knight Riders may stand to repeat its 2012 feat yet again.

     

    Rajasthan Royals (RR)

     

    Team (from): Shane Watson (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane, James Faulkner, Stuart Binny, Sanju Samson, Brad Hodge, Steven Smith, Abhishek Nayar, Ben Cutting, Kane Richardson, Tim Southee, Unmukt Chand, Ankush Bains, Vikramjeet Malik, Rahul Tewatia, Ankit Sharma, Amit Mishra, Deepak Hooda, Rajat Bhatia, Kevon Cooper, Iqbal Abdulla, Dhawal Kulkarni, Pravin Tambe, Karun Nair, Dishant Yagnik.

     

    The maiden champions will always be remembered for their 2008 tournament; from being the dark horse to really nudging every one out of the league to lift the cup. But since then, the team has not really done much to be noticed. Having been consistent and qualifying for the play-offs last season helps in keeping the team together, but it lacks the killer instinct which may be made up with the appointment of Shane Watson as captain. The team looks very balanced on paper and can give any team a run for its money any given day.

     

    Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

     

    Team (from): Shikhar Dhawan (Captain), Dale Steyn, David Warner, Darren Sammy, Amit Mishra, Aaron Finch, Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Brendan Taylor, Moises Henriques, Venugopala Rao, Jason Holder, S Aniruddha, Manprit Juneja, KL Rahul, Amit Paunikar, Naman Ojha, Ricky Bhui, Ashish Reddy, Chama Milind, Parveez Rasool, Prashanth Parameshwaran, Karn Sharma.

     

    Having the advantage of being the youngest franchise in the league, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, proved its mettle by qualifying to the play-offs in the 2013 season. The team really battled in some of the memorable matches of the season. Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, the team looks poised to maintain its performance and do exceedingly well in season seven as well. With match winners like Dhawan, Warner, Steyn, Mishra and Sammy, this looks like the most balanced team among the lot.

     

    Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

     

    Team (from): George Bailey (Captain), David Miller, Manan Vohra, Virender Sehwag, Mitchell Johnson, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shaun Marsh, Wriddhaman Saha, Thisara Perera, Glenn Maxwell, Rishi Dhawan, Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Akshar Patel, Beuran Hendricks, Karanveer Singh, Murali Kartik, Shivam Sharma, Shardul Thakur, L Balaji, Parvinder Awana, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Mandeep Singh.

     

    This team has never really proved its mettle right from season one down to season six; there have been constant changes in leadership and that has been detrimental to its performance as well. With George Bailey at the helm and support from ‘old hands’ like Sehwag, Johnson, Saha and Balaji, it’s yet to be seen if this season brings a change in fortunes for KXIP.

     

    Mumbai Indians (MI)

     

    Team (from): Rohit Sharma (Captain), Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu, Michael Hussey, Zaheer Khan, Pragyan Ojha, Corey Anderson, Josh Hazlewood, CM Gautam, Aditya Tare, Apoorv Wankhade, Marchant de Lange, Krishmar Santokie, Ben Dunk, Pawan Suyal, Sushant Marathe, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Gopal, Jalaj Saxena.

     

    The reigning champions of season six IPL 2013, have seen it all. The first two years having struggled to not even qualify for the play-offs; followed by standing runners-up in 2010 and then finally completing the journey last year. But this year the one big change will be, Sachin Tendulkar not figuring in the squad, having retired from all forms of cricket. The team looks good and well balanced to retain its title, only time will tell if it really can.

  • Pepsi IPL 2014 announces global broadcast partners

    Pepsi IPL 2014 announces global broadcast partners

    MUMBAI: As the Indian Premier League explores new avenues this season by making a debut in the UAE, the coverage of the tournament will be bigger and wider than ever before. The Pepsi IPL 2014 will reach a worldwide audience over television, internet and mobile devices through some of the best broadcasters of the respective regions.

    Looking at the television broadcast space; Pepsi IPL 2014 will be available on IMG in the Caribbean, PCCW in Hong Kong, OSN Network in the Middle East, StarHub in Singapore, SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa, Set Max and Sony Six in India, Geo Super in Pakistan, Maasaranga TV in Bangladesh, Carlton Sports Network in Sri Lanka, ITV Networks in UK, Sportsnet in Canada Rogers, Willow TV international in US, Sky NZ in New Zealand, Measat (Astro) in Malaysia and EMTV in Papua New Guinea.

    With the Pepsi IPL 2014 also reaching out to the world on the internet, the list of operators who will be partnering with IPL for the same are: GoCricket.com & Starsports.com in India; willow.tv in US; Rogers in Canada; OSN for Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Gaza Strip, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank, Yemen; TBC in Pakistan; for rest of the world GoCricket.com and www.youtube.com/gocricket.

     

    As for mobile streaming, in India StarSports.com & nexGTV/GoCricket (apps) will be providing all the action from the field. And for outside India youtube.com/gocricket and GoCricket apps will be the destination to catch the live action.

  • IND-PAK may face-off in 6 test series between 2015 and 2023

    IND-PAK may face-off in 6 test series between 2015 and 2023

    MUMBAI: If there is one face-off in the sport of cricket that is more anticipated and watched than the Ashes, it has to be India taking on arch rivals Pakistan.

     

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed interest in rekindling its relationship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to play at least six home and away test series between the boards in the next eight-year FTP cycle between 2015 and 2023, which will also include an “off-shore” home series in the United Arab Emirates. 

     

    According to a few media reports, the PCB awaits a final confirmation from the BCCI following its working committee meeting that is expected to take place in the next 15 days. It will then enable the PCB to work out a long-term broadcasting deal with regular India series at its centre. 

     

    Earlier PCB chairman Najam Sethi had made it clear that Pakistan’s conditional support for the ICC revamp depends on the promise of said number of series against India. The change in the PCB’s stance has taken place on the condition that Pakistan would be involved in bilateral series against all Full Members, including India. 

     

    It is learnt that all the nine member boards have confirmed their earlier commitments with PCB until 2020 and are chalking out a fresh plan for the period from 2020 to 2023. 

     

    The BCCI could look to slot in as many as six series against Pakistan, due to the gaps that are available in the existing FTP calendar. The first of these bilateral series could take place in the UAE in the winter of 2015.

     

    India and Pakistan have not played a full series since the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. Pakistan visited India for a short limited-over series in December 2012 which included three ODIs and two T20 Internationals. The PCB estimates that after committing to the ICC revamp, the financial benefits could reach PKR 30 billion from the bilateral ties, the major chunk of which will be earned from hosting India.