BCCI politics not our concern, says Uday Shankar

Star India chairman and CEO, Uday Shankar during a press conference after the auction of IPL media rights, in Mumbai on Monday.

There has been considerable turmoil and controversy around the BCCI and the IPL of late, but Star India is focussing only on the aspects that concerns it as a broadcaster.

“It’s not for me to comment on the administration, the politics and everything else (within) the BCCI; that’s not our business,” said Star India chairman and CEO, Uday Shankar.

Power of cricket

“We have an interest in broadcasting cricket — on digital (platforms) and on television — because we believe that the power of cricket in this country is enormous.

“The excitement that sports, and cricket in particular, has continued to generate despite everything, has given credence to our faith in the continued power of cricket. This tender has been blessed by the Supreme Court, the BCCI, and the Committee of Administrators; they have all come together and they have decided to do it in a certain manner. “That gives us complete confidence to participate in it.”

Responding to Star India’s willingness to work with the BCCI, the Board’s acting-Secretary, Amitabh Choudhary, said: “If a phase did confront the BCCI where it was made to examine itself, I don’t necessarily think it was a negative; and therefore we were still growing.

“It is a stage of growth, and the necessary corrections are being contemplated and incorporated.

“We just keep growing, and I am sure we can gain from this stage as well.”