It is believed that JioStar may offer if the prices are reduced further, but it is understood that the officials are yet to visit their office in the last few days. Jio, which had the rights to the Qatar World Cup before the merger, had secured that event for about $62 million.
Sony is another option, but they have conscientiously stayed away from bidding wars. In addition, their networks will have India’s upcoming men’s and women’s tour of England on TV at the same time as the World Cup. In some ways, Sony has been the default pitstop for international matches (they are the existing rights holder for the Euros, as well as most World Cup qualifiers). Sony also telecast the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, the former being in a similar time zone with the matches usually starting at 5 22:30 and continuing till 08:15 IST.
Doordarshan is always an option as they can hold events of national importance. So, if nothing else, Indian viewers may be able to watch the semi-finals and finals if no other broadcaster is able to strike a deal. If the past is anything to go by, broadcasters usually find a deal to make a deal. In 2002 for example, Ten Sports won the rights with 40 days to go for the event.
