Television advertising rates for ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Pakistan are 10 times the normal price as millions of fans are expected to tune in for a clash that last time ranked among the six most-watched sporting events. Pakistan, the lowest-ranked team at the tournament, upset host and favourites England to set up a final with defending champions India, feeding a frenzy for a game that commands a fanatical following in the region and among its diaspora.
According to a Reuters report, a 30-second spot during the final to be broadcast by Star Sports is expected to cost nearly 10 million rupees ($155,267), far higher than the 1 million rupees that advertisers pay on average for most Indian shows.
Most of the TV spots for the final, to be played in London, were pre-booked with firms such as Nissan Motor, Intel Corp, Emirates, Chinese mobile maker Oppo and Indian tyre maker MRF signed up as commercial partners for the tournament.
Presently, fewer than 10 per cent of the slots are left for the final. Companies still wanting to air their ads will be paying a higher rate than those who pre-booked.
Video Courtesy: YouTube
“India v Pakistan Final… !!!!!!!! All TV execs around the world are now cracking a nice bottle open to celebrate,” tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.
India v Pakistan Final …. !!!!!!!! All TV execs around the World are now cracking a nice bottle open to celebrate ….. #IndiaToWin
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 15, 2017
Before the Champions Trophy, the last time India and Pakistan played a one-day international was during the 2015 World Cup. That game, won by India, was one of the top-six most viewed sporting events.
India and Pakistan have already met during the tournament’s group stage, with India winning easily. More than 200 million people watched that game. For Sunday’s final, viewership is expected to be 30-40 percent higher.
Cricket between the neighbours and rivals has been limited because of their longstanding political problems. They last played a bilateral series in 2012-13, when Pakistan toured India for two Twenty20 games and three one-day internationals.
Video Courtesy: YouTube
It was their first series since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, when Pakistani militants went on a killing spree that left 166 people dead in India’s financial capital. India has since refused to play Pakistan outside International Cricket Council events.
–With inputs from Reuters
For interesting news videos from InUth, follow us on Youtube.com/InUthdotcom
