CRICKET
‘Kya yeh women’s game ki marketing karega’ – Fans react to Indian management providing free access to Women’s international games at home
The Indian Cricket Board is issuing a new rights cycle for the next few years. In this, the broadcaster who manages to win the rights will now have to pay for Men’s games only. Talking about the women’s game, it will be free access. It will be included in the ‘Other Series’ alongside Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy among others.
“Additionally, the ‘Other Series’ shall encompass (i) cricket matches organized by BCCI and played in India between men’s A teams, Women’s International matches, women’s teams, and all age group teams (men and women) of India and any other country/territory, along with warm-up/practice matches organized by BCCI for such teams from any other country/territory; (ii) practice/warm-up cricket matches organized by BCCI and played in India by a Visiting Team prior to any international series; and (iii) any other List ‘A’ cricket matches, as may be advised by BCCI from time to time,” states the 150-page ITT.
The decision is coming at the time when WPL was sold for 951 crores INR for five years early this year. Notably, in the previous rights cycle, it seems that the same policy was implemented although Women’s cricket has found its feet. Talking about the Apex Council, they also come up with separate rights for women’s games.
On the other hand, the likes of Cricket Australia and England and Wales Cricket Board prioritizes women’s cricket over men’s.
This is how Twitter reacted
I get free tattoos for buying a chocolate but I never used it, I always thrown it away. Only the chocolate matters 😇🤗
— User45 (@140of113) August 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/koliesque/status/1689570365268492288?s=20
It's disappointing to see such a discrepancy in valuing men's and women's games. Both deserve fair recognition and compensation for their contributions to the sport.
— s47 (@s47here) August 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/act_yash/status/1689571022666887168?s=20
Women cricket not real cricket TBH, it lacks competitiveness and intensity of men's cricket, same is case with women football as well
— Thanos 🇮🇳🇵🇸 (@KingKohlifan438) August 10, 2023
Isn't it a same thing?
Bidders will bid higher so that they can get both the rights!— Sridhar Agrawal (@agrawal_sridhar) August 10, 2023
And they have the audacity to ask equal pay
— San (@sndptw) August 10, 2023
https://twitter.com/Smart_Ladka/status/1689591177480118272?s=20
aise kaun women cricket dekhta hai…Better focus on Women athletics and track & field events…including shooting…we have better chances of winning…So BCCI should diversify and sponsor women athletics
— Ranjan (@ranjanninu) August 10, 2023
Harmanpreet Kaur hearing this : pic.twitter.com/yARvyrKajt
— Abhay 🇮🇳 (@abhayysrivastav) August 10, 2023