MUMBAI: It is shaping up to be the cricket series of the year and could be even bigger than last year's World Cup. The schedule of India's face off with Pakistan on the cricket grounds in March may not have been finalised, but Ten Sports has initiated the publicity campaign around the event.
On Sunday it released it put ads in major publications. The ad highlights the fact that the broadcaster has live and exclusive coverage of the event. The distribution contact details have been given.
There have been concerns expressed some of which are justified. The players are keen on the tour to be delayed by a week. That is because they will suffer fatigue after a gruelling tour of Australia. While that is fine the personal security concerns raised by some senior players in some media pub lications, none of which has been attributed directly to any player, has raised some questions as to the motives behind the "whisper campaign".
Meanwhile, a report in Pakistan's The Daily Times stated that in order to put fears to rest the Indian cricket board would send a team of security experts to Pakistan next month to review arrangements. The Pakistan Cricket Board has already guaranteed tight security for Indias tour in light of last week's bomb blast near an Anglican cathedral in Karachi. If the Indian board is satisfied then the tour should proceed as scheduled.
A possible change in the itinerary could be that the the tour will start from Lahore. India will play three Tests and five one-day internationals between early March and mid-April. The last time we visited our neighbours was way back in 1989-1990. The Bukhatir broadcaster is firming up marketing and promotional plans.
Another report in Sify has stated that India, Pakistan and world champions Australia are expected to play a triangular series in Holland in August. This will act as a prelude to the Champions Trophy in England in September. Max will have live coverage of the Champions Trophy. If the Holland event proceeds as scheduled expect a round of fierce bidding from rival broadcasters.
