Jay Shah probably become next ICC Chairman, can face Disney Star Conflict
There are high chance that Jay Shah will be elected as the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Simultaneously one thing has become clearer day by day Disney Star is looking to renegotiate its deal with ICC which was signed a few years back. If this happens Shah has to face a major issue in his Dubai office.
Two years back Disney signed a $3 billion contract with ICC which came into force with the recent Twenty20 World Cup hosted by the US and West Indies. Now Disney Star is seeking a renegotiation of the contract’s overall valuation for several reasons. The request for a renegotiation is separate from the call for a discount on the World Cup delivery.
Disney Star has sent two letters to ICC and the issue was discussed during the Annual Conference in Columbo held last month Still, it is understood that the final decision will rest with the Board, the all-powerful decision-making body.
Star is believed to be seeking a discount of over $100 million from the recent World Cup, citing several reasons, most notably the washout of the India-Canada game in Lauderhill, Florida, on June 15. The India fixtures in World Cups are high-value events, and the broadcaster claims significant losses due to the abandonment of this match.
While a few other games, such as England vs. Scotland, USA vs. Ireland, and Sri Lanka vs. Nepal, were also washed out, the broadcaster is believed to have specifically highlighted the India-Canada match. Broadcast deals typically do not include refund clauses, so how much it can convince the ICC remains to be seen.
Star is also believed to have raised points about the low-scoring semifinal between Afghanistan and South Africa on June 26 at Tarouba, where Afghanistan was bowled out for 56 in just 11.5 overs. South Africa chased down the target in under nine overs, resulting in a contest that did not quite fit the billing of a World Cup semifinal. The ICC later rated the pitch at the Brian Lara Academy as unsatisfactory.
Other concerns raised included the tournament’s marketing, the timing of matches in the US, and the low-scoring nature of the high-profile India-Pakistan game. However, the broadcaster was unwilling to discuss the issues. A spokesperson for Star declined to comment, while the ICC, citing policy, refrained from making statements on commercial matters.
