“Agreement signed by CAN with Star Sports was against national interest”

KATHMANDU: The deal made by paying a huge amount to Star Sports, an Indian channel, for the live broadcast of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) to be organised by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has become controversial.

Issuing a joint statement, three organisations in the communication and advertising sector have objected to the agreement.

Nepal Advertising Association (AN), National Advertising Association Nepal (NAN) and Media Alliance claimed that the CAN’s move is illegal and against the national interest.

“It is a pride of moment that the NPL is being organised and it will also have a positive impact on the country’s economy but the interest and rights of Nepal and Nepali people should not be disrespected and devalued by this competition,” the statement reads.

The CAN has intentionally or by mistake has done some illegal, unprofessional and unethical activities, according to the statement.

The organisations have claimed that the selection of Star Sports without competition is illegal.

“Nepal Premier League is a highly professional national sports competition. We also agree that the matches should reach the international stage, but violating the country’s laws for such purposes cannot be considered right. We got the information through a press conference of the CAN that an agreement has been reached through a foreign agency, Twenty First Century, to give Star Sports INR 1 million per match,” the statement further reads.

They have claimed that the CAN has completely ignored Article 44 (2) of the Public Procurement Act.

Nepali advertising agencies and Nepali television broadcasters have proven successful in broadcasting World Cup football, the world’s most expensive sports.

But the CAN must answer to the Nepali sports fans and the sports world why Nepali advertising agencies, program producers and television broadcasters were ignored in the Nepal Premier League, the statement said.

If CAN feels that Nepali television broadcasters are not capable of producing and live broadcasting such national sports, then why Star Sports as an international television channel has been selected, the organisations questioned. This is the issue of investigation.