Ranji live telecast only from knockout rounds

CHENNAI: With just 48 hours to go before the 84th installment of the Ranji Trophy, one would assume that the i’s have already been dotted and the t’s crossed. Remarkably enough, that does not seem to be case with the BCCI.

The board hasn’t yet decided whether to show all matches live on Star Sports, the broadcaster which holds the rights. As of now, only knockout matches will be shown live on TV.
“We are still working with our production team and Star Sports on the matter,” a senior BCCI official said. “Why don’t you send an e-mail to our production team and they will get in touch with you on what matches, if any, are lined up to be broadcast.”

What the BCCI and Star have agreed on is to show live matches from the knockouts. “BCCI are yet to get back to us on broadcasting group stage matches. What I know for sure is that matches from the quarterfinal stages will be on our channel,” a Star Sports source confirmed to Express.

It’s basically status quo — no group stage matches were shown last year as well. A remarkable withdrawal from just two years ago when the broadcaster was showing matches from the group stage itself. Interestingly, one thing may have changed. It appears that Hotstar may be live streaming two matches per round.

“The schedule says we will be showing TN vs Andhra and Haryana vs Saurashtra in the first round,” a source said. This doesn’t mean the matches will be on the channel. “When there is something live on the channel, it’s usually on the website but the opposite may not be the case.” If Hotstar is right, it’s even more bizarre why BCCI are still dilly-dallying. As they are in control of producing matches in India, it’s unlikely they will spend crores to show matches on Hotstar alone.

Unavailability of airtime is not an issue — the three T20Is between India and Australia are all slated for 7.00 pm starts, enough time for the broadcaster to switch to the preview show after the end of the day’s play in Ranji. Star, if a source to be believed, have no problems showing it. The ball is in BCCI’s court.

swaroop@newindianexpress.com