TV rights hearing set for September 9

The Mumbai High Court will hear the case regarding ESPN-Star Sports and BCCI on Thursday, September 9. ESPN-Star Sports had earlier challenged the Indian board's decision to award the four-year telecast rights, of matches to be played in India, to Zee Network. The matter was due to come up for hearing today, but was postponed, reportedly because the BCCI received the summons late. Also ESPN-Star Sports has sought more details and clarifications from the BCCI and Zee Networks.

ESPN-Star Sports asserted that it was the highest eligible bidder citing the qualifying cretia in the BCCI's tender. On July 7 the BCCI invited bids for television rights to the next four years' cricket played in India. That tender document stated: "The bidding will be restricted to broadcasters only.

"Only those entities that have existing in-house production, telecasting units and channel network and have successfully telecast live and delayed International Cricket events of International standard for a period of at least two years (not as a Licensee) will be entitled to the Invitation to Tender and right to submit offers. Bid documents will be given to such entities only."

ESPN-Star Sports contends that Zee Network does not fulfill these criteria.