Some viewers may lose out on action

NEW DELHI | MUMBAI: With just two days left for the first India-England Test, there is uncertainty about how many cricket fans would be able to catch the action. Star Cricket is not yet available on Tata Sky DTH platform. Many consumers in non-CAS markets, too, might not be able to watch the action as several cable operators have not reached any agreement with the broadcaster.

CAS subscribers may, however, be luckier, thanks to the latest TDSAT directive that the channel be aired in the CAS-notified areas of the three metros. While InCablenet reached an agreement with the channel, Hathway and Zee-owned Wire & Wireless (WWIL) are still in talks.Dish TV will begin showing Star Cricket from Tuesday on its DTH platform.

The bone of contention is the high price the channel is demanding. According to sources in the cable TV industry, the channel has been priced at Rs 28 in non-CAS areas.

Tata Sky’s spokesperson said the company was still in negotiations and added, “The forthcoming cricket matches were expected to be featured on the two existing channels, but now we are informed that Star Cricket, which is also a pay channel, will carry the same. Nevertheless, the one-day matches are available on the DD channel.” Arch rival Dish TV’s spokesperson confirmed the company had reached an agreement with the sports broadcaster.

Multi-system operators (MSOs) Hathway and WWIL are still in negotiations with ESPN. A Hathway spokesperson told ET, “We have yet to sort out our commercial differences, and negotiations are currently under way.” WWIL’s executive director Arvind Mohan said the negotiation are on with ESPN-Star Sports.