SC asks BCCI to take note of exploitation of commercial space

The Supreme Court today asked BCCI to keep in mind the sentiments expressed by Justice R M Lodha panel over exploitation of commercial space granted and ensure that the viewers get to see uninterrupted broadcast of cricket matches.
A bench of Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice FMI Kalifulla said the panel's recommendations are based on the premise that even the viewers have a right to view the game uninterrupted by any commercials.
"The BCCI's ability to encash the popularity of the game may be affected if the interest of the viewers and resultantly their numbers was reduced by excessive exploitation of the commercial space," it said.

"The proper course, in our opinion, is to leave the recommendation as it is for the consideration of BCCI with the observation that BCCI may, keeping in mind the sentiments expressed by the Committee, ensure that the viewers get to see an uninterrupted broadcast of the match from the first till the last ball of the over and limiting the commercial advertisement in terms of time and space to an extent that will not deprive the viewers of the pleasure of watching the game in full," it said.
However, the bench, declined to rule against the commercial angle and left it for the Board to examine the matter from all possible angles, including whether there is a need for any changes in the existing agreement relating to broadcasting rights.

"We make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion in this regard and leave it for the BCCI to examine the matter from all possible angles and take a considered decision having regard to the recommendations made by the Committee and the feasibility of any modification in the existing contracts," it said.

It noted the panel's observation that the commercial angle has overtaken the enjoyment of the sport.
The bench also said that the panel has recommended to revise the existing contracts for the international test and one-day matches and ensure that the broadcast be interrupted with advertisements only during the breaks taken for drinks, lunch and tea.

But the court left it for the consideration of BCCI to examine the feasibility of any modification in the existing contracts.
BCCI had contested that any modification of the contractual terms and conditions at this stage is likely to result in a heavy financial loss to IT.