Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President Faruque Ahmed has admitted the board is enduring a “tough time” after failing to sell the media rights for the upcoming two-Test series against Zimbabwe. With the first Test in Sylhet set to begin tomorrow, state broadcaster BTV has stepped in at the eleventh hour to televise the match.
Despite issuing an open invitation on 19 March for broadcasters to bid for the series, the BCB received no offers by the 7 April deadline. Subsequent efforts to strike a deal through direct negotiations also proved fruitless, prompting the board to approach BTV as a last resort.
“We are going through a bit of a tough time,” said Faruque, speaking at an event in Dhaka. “There is a financial lull in both domestic and international cricket, and it’s taking some time to stabilise after the change in government.”
Expressing gratitude to the state broadcaster, Faruque revealed that BTV had agreed to air the match free of charge, a rare concession. “It was really difficult to get BTV’s slot. Special thanks to the honourable secretary who is present here. Normally, you have to purchase airtime from BTV, so we are extremely grateful. At least now the match will reach the people.”
He added that discussions are ongoing with private broadcasters in the hope of televising the second Test. “Even if we can’t show this match on a private channel, we will try to ensure coverage for the next one.”
Looking ahead, Faruque confirmed the BCB is preparing to invite international tenders for long-term media rights. “There is also the matter of selling the media rights for the next two-and-a-half years. We have prepared a tender for it and will be calling for proposals from international companies.”
The series against Zimbabwe is part of both nations’ efforts to reinvigorate their Test cricket schedules, but the failure to secure a broadcast partner underscores growing financial and structural concerns within the cricketing world.