With the e-auction of the high-in-demand Board of Control for Cricket in India rights just days away, two broadcasting majors, the broadcasters have objected to the rights fee for non-India matches.

Meanwhile, the broadcasters have written to the BCCI saying they are not keen to pay the same pre-match fee for a tie featuring the Indian men’s senior team and one that pits two non-Indian sides.

This worry, on the part of potential broadcasters, nevertheless remains only a conceivable worry for now. India last hosted a triangular series back in 2003-04 – the TVS Cup involving Australia and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the next Future Tours Program (FTP) of the International Cricket Council (ICC), approved by its member boards, don’t have any triangular or multi-team tournaments scheduled in India.

However, BCCI, on its part has admitted that they have not made any changes in ITT.

“We haven’t changed anything. And as is the case with Pakistan – which has not been included in the ITT because of the non-possibility of any cricket with the neighbours until the government approves – the FTP categorically mentions the number of matches according to their formats to be scheduled during the rights period,” an official said.

However, any potential bidders can raise questions because advertisement revenue will allow them to make up for the money paid to BCCI. Meanwhile, the advertisement money may take a hit in matches not involving India.

“Take the England or Australia rights for example. A broadcaster can be expected to pay a good amount for matches to be played there and involving India. But he will not pay the same amount for an Ashes or any other tournament that doesn’t feature in India. That’s how it needs to work,” one of the potential bidders said.

Meanwhile, the base price for the first of the five-year rights is likely to be Rs 35 crores. However, it comes down to INR 33 crore for the next four years. The base price for digital rights for the first five years is INR 8 crore and INR 7 crore for the next four years.

The e-auction will take place on April 3.