Channels Deny DTH Delay as T20 World Cup Blacked Out on Akash

Despite the government’s boycott stance, the ICC T20 World Cup has been broadcast in Bangladesh from the very first day by T Sports and Nagorik TV. While viewers can watch the matches on these two local satellite television channels, audiences using the Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform Akash are unable to access the broadcasts.

Akash has informed its subscribers that the matches have been blacked out, placing full responsibility for the situation on the two channels.

However, stating that neither channel has any control over the matter, Nagorik TV, in a formal statement, said:
“Neither Nagorik TV nor T Sports is in any way responsible for the non-telecast of the matches on the Akash platform.”

In a press release, Nagorik TV clarified its position, explaining that both channels had obtained all necessary permissions to broadcast the matches on satellite television. However, the matches could not be aired on the DTH platform because no authorization had been granted for that mode of transmission.

The statement said that all broadcast rights for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament were legally acquired from the ICC by Total Sports Management (TSM). Under this agreement, Nagorik TV and T Sports received the required permissions from TSM to broadcast the matches via satellite channels in Bangladesh and are airing the tournament based on valid contractual arrangements.

On the other hand, TSM did not grant any permission to broadcast the T20 World Cup matches on the DTH platform Akash, nor was any agreement signed with the platform for this purpose. Similar situations, the statement noted, have occurred in the past as well.

Nagorik TV further stated that the issue lies entirely beyond the control or responsibility of the two channels. It expressed concern that Akash authorities, instead of presenting accurate and factual information to their subscribers, are attempting to shift the blame onto Nagorik TV and T Sports through misleading statements.

“This irresponsible and misleading conduct by the Akash authorities is completely unwarranted and unacceptable,” the statement said. Nagorik TV strongly protested the approach and urged Akash to disclose truthful and accurate information to its customers to prevent unnecessary confusion and misunderstanding.

DBTech/BITO/EK/OR