ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): With the Asia Cup 2025 just weeks away, cricket fans in Pakistan are still in the dark about where they’ll be watching the tournament, as TV broadcast rights remain unsold due to pricing disagreements.
According to sources, Sony India, which holds the rights for the tournament, has asked for a hefty $12 million for the broadcasting package in Pakistan. The package reportedly covers both the men’s and women’s Asia Cup, but local broadcasters have so far refused to meet this steep demand.
According to sources, Pakistani broadcasters are negotiating with Sony India, the official broadcaster of the 2025 Asia Cup. The channels are hoping to lower the fee, which they believe is too high given the current advertising market.
This delay has raised concerns among fans and media houses, especially as the Asia Cup is scheduled to begin from September 9 to 28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A total of 19 matches will be played, with the potential for up to three high-voltage India vs Pakistan clashes if both teams reach the final.
Sony India secured the Asia Cup’s eight-year global media rights (2024–2031) for $170 million last year. This deal includes rights to four men’s Asia Cups, four women’s tournaments, the Emerging Cup, and 119 matches overall. Pakistan’s share from these rights is about 25%, or roughly $42.5 million, while the lion’s share, about 65%, is driven by the Indian market.
According to reports, three local channels are in talks for the broadcasting rights, but none is currently willing to match the $12 million price for the next two editions of the Asia Cup. There have also been discussions about forming a consortium to split the cost, which may be the only way Sony’s asking price can be met. If not, negotiations will continue in hopes of reducing the amount.
The fans, however, have nothing to worry about, as the digital rights for Pakistan have already been finalised and an announcement is expected soon.
On a more positive note, digital streaming rights for the Asia Cup have already been finalised, and an announcement regarding that deal is expected soon. This would ensure that fans in Pakistan can at least watch the tournament online, even if TV coverage remains uncertain.
