Teams are against new IPL game timings
The Indian Premier League Governing Council has decided to change the IPL match timings from 4 PM to 5.30 PM and 8 PM to 7 PM, as per the request of the broadcaster Star Sports. This has not gone well with the franchises. As per TOI's report, the franchises will oppose this move by the Council. Here's more.
Forget the teams, will the sponsors be okay with this?
"We heard it from the media about the match timings being changed. The least the BCCI could've done is engaged with the teams before taking a decision like that." 3 of the 8 franchises were quoted by the Times of India.
Star Sports has the right to request timings change
Star Sports is Indian Premier League's new broadcaster and they won the rights to host the tournament by paying over Rs. 16,000 cr for a period of 5 years. Hence, it is within their rights to change the match timings to suit the viewers' interests. However, the Governing Council did not discuss the matter with the franchises, which hasn't gone well with them.
Prime time is on their minds
Star Sports is keen to get prime time coverage. An early start of the second fixture will ensure that it concludes at about 10 PM, which is prime time in the Indian television market. Also with the 4 PM game being moved to 5:30 PM, the viewership is likely to increase considering most people are accustomed to 9 to 5 jobs.
Franchises unhappy they haven't been consulted
"The franchises are not in agreement with this proposal and will take it up with the IPL. They are in fact quite not very happy that something as important as this hasn't even discussed with them," a top official said.
IPL chairman says it is not yet final
Franchisees share 50% of the revenues as per the new revenue model and the decision not to discuss the proposal has backfired. However, IPL chairman, Rajeev Shukla revealed that it was just a proposal, as of now and the BCCI has accepted the request but the final decision will be taken after consulting with the rest of the stakeholders.
