The Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament is facing a new trouble over telecast rights. Broadcast partner Sony Entertainment Television India, which is now known as Multi Screen Media, has moved to the court to protect its telecast rights. In its appeal filed in the Bombay High court, Sony wants to stop the IPL organizers from discussing telecast rights of the upcoming Twenty20 tournament with other channels. The court will hear the case today (16th March).

 

Earlier, Sony had inked an on-air sponsorship deal with Airtel Digital TV. Because of this move, Sony's rival DTH service provider Big TV pulled out of its Rs 1.37 billion ground sponsorship agreement with IPL. While Sony said it had offered the first right of refusal to Big TV, the Reliance ADAG-owned DTH service provider refuted such claims. Meanwhile, Sony has roped in a slew of sponsors for the IPL.

 

The cash-rich IPL tournament has also run into bad weather with the Home Ministry asking the organizers to re-work on a new schedule, as its schedule clashes with that of the parliamentary elections in April-May. Adding to its woes, some foreign players and cricket board have raised apprehension about the security arrangement during the tournament particularly after the terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan.