Pakistan is yet to finalize a television broadcast partner for the Asia Cup 2025, with negotiations stalled over a steep media rights fee reportedly demanded by Sony India, according to a report by Cricket Pakistan.
The Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in the UAE from September 9 to 28, will feature 19 matches — including the potential for up to three high-stakes India vs Pakistan clashes, should both teams progress to the final. But with just weeks to go, the event still lacks a confirmed TV broadcaster in Pakistan.
Broadcaster demands US $12 million for rights
Sony India, which holds the Asian Cricket Council (ACC)’s eight-year media rights from 2024 to 2031, is reportedly asking US $12 million (approximately PKR 3.34 billion) for the Pakistan TV rights to the men’s and women’s Asia Cups. This has become a sticking point for Pakistani broadcasters, none of whom are willing to meet that price given the current advertising and viewership climate.
Locally, three major TV channels are involved in the bidding, but none are currently prepared to take on the full cost. Discussions are now underway among the broadcasters to form a consortium, which would allow them to collectively meet Sony’s financial terms — otherwise, attempts to renegotiate and lower the fee are expected to continue.
Digital rights already secured
While TV rights remain unresolved, the digital rights for the Asia Cup in Pakistan have already been finalized, with an official announcement expected imminently. The move comes after a profitable digital broadcast of Pakistan’s recent series against Bangladesh, where the state broadcaster saw rare financial success.
ACC rights deal and regional breakdown
The ACC sold its comprehensive 8-year media rights package in 2023 to Sony India for USD 170 million (approximately PKR 47.26 billion or INR 14.16 billion). The deal covers 119 matches, including four men’s and four women’s Asia Cups, as well as the Emerging Teams Asia Cup.
As per Cricket Pakistan’s report, Pakistan is entitled to a 25% share of ACC media revenues, totaling around USD 42.5 million (approximately PKR 11.82 billion or INR 3.54 billion). India, contributing the lion’s share of commercial value, receives about 65% of the media earnings.
Group stage draws and marquee match-ups
The group stage of Asia Cup 2025 has already been confirmed. India and Pakistan are placed in the same group, alongside the UAE and Oman. The other group features Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong.
A blockbuster India vs Pakistan encounter is set for September 14, with the potential for two more meetings in the Super Four stage and final if both teams advance — adding significant commercial weight to the media rights package.
Outlook
As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 continues, Pakistan’s broadcasting uncertainty remains a major hurdle. Unless local TV networks align through a consortium or Sony India lowers its demand, the tournament may proceed without a television broadcast partner in one of its key markets — a scenario that would significantly impact reach, fan engagement, and sponsor visibility in the region.
