DD not to broadcast India-South Africa Test cricket series

NI Wire

New Delhi

Mon, 24 Mar 2008: 

In a disappointing move for billions of cricket lovers in India, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided not to televise the upcoming India-South Africa three-match Test series commencing from March 26.

The ministry on Monday decided not to declare the near-term Test match Cricket seriesas a sporting event of national importance for the purpose of sharing broadcast signals with Prasar Bharati.

Taking into count an earlier order of Delhi High Court dated Feb 28, 2008 on the matter of Ravi Dev Gupta V/s Union of India, which had left the whole matter to the Central government.

The government after considering the guidelines of Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act 2007, which provides mandatory sharing of broadcasting right with Prasar Bharati, took the decision against Doordarshan.

The Act provides mandatory sharing of sports signals by right owners for all such events which are notified by the Central Government under Clause (s) of sub-section (1) of Section 2 of the said Act and after following the procedure prescribed under the provisions of said Act and rules made thereto.

Presently the NEO sport of Nimbus Communications holds the sole right of broadcasting the three match Test series.