IPL media rights attract 18 bidders

Star India, Facebook and Twitter were among the 18 business houses which have been attracted to purchase the media rights for the Indian Premier League across all media platforms.

Ajay Shirke..."Our intention is to ensure the most comprehensive coverage of the IPL across the globe."

The Indian Premier League media right Invitation for Tender (ITT) has attracted 18 bidders - which include Star India , Sony Pictures, Twitter and Facebook - who have purchased the document to gain media rights across media platforms for the tournament. According to a press release by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the 'bid submission process' will take place of October 25.

BCCI president Anurag Thakur said, "This is going to be a historical moment for Indian cricket. I am pleased to see the overwhelming response from the media and technology companies for IPL Media Rights. With the global trends of showcasing content on multiple platforms becoming increasingly important - TV, Internet and Mobile rights are up for grabs together this time. To have as many as 18 prospective bidders in the fray reinstates the faith of market forces in Indian Premier League."

BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke said, "This is a significant step for the board, and we are excited to have 18 prospective bidders for IPL Media Rights. Our intention is to ensure the most comprehensive coverage of the IPL across the globe."

The 18 bidders who have purchased the document are:

Star India Pvt. Ltd., Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd., Followon Interactive Media Pvt. Ltd., Taj TV India Pvt. Ltd., Sony Pictures Networks Pvt. Ltd., Times Internet Ltd., Supersport International (Pty) Ltd., Reliance Jio Digital Services Pvt. Ltd., Gulf DTH FZ LLC, GroupM Media India Pvt. Ltd., beIN IP Ltd., Econet Media Ltd., SKY UK Ltd., ESPN Digital Media (India) Pvt. Ltd., BTG Legal Services BT PLC, Twitter Inc., Facebook Inc.