Sony-IPL talks fail to reach out-of-court settlement

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and broadcaster Sony have failed to reach an out-of-court settlement over the telecast of Indian Premier League (IPL). BCCI had terminated the contract with Sony last week.

“We had agreed on various commercial terms, but if we agree to a non-terminable contract, we cannot terminate the arrangement even in case of a serious breach. No one can accept that,” IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi told cricinfo.com.

The matter is currently being heard by the Bombay High Court.

The BCCI had terminated the contract on Saturday last week, claiming that the broadcaster had repeatedly violated integrity of telecast by prematurely cutting to breaks and inserting commercials during a live match, replays and other on-field actions.

Rohit Gupta, president of network sales at Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd (MSM), refused to comment on the development. But MSM, which holds the IPL contract under the Sony umbrella, was apparently prepared to compensate the IPL for further violations of contract, if any, but the league did not agree, the website reported.