Indian Premier League (IPL) Theatrical Rights Auction Canceled for Season 4

Strategic Insights -

The Indian Premier League (IPL) governing body has announced that it will not be auctioning off theatrical rights for season four, which is set to kick off on April 8. This move has left multiplexes such as PVR Cinemas, Cinemax, and Big Cinemas scrambling to prepare for the World Cup final match on Saturday. Industry observers see this as an opportunity missed, both for fans and multiplex chains, which would have been able to screen IPL matches in addition to the World Cup.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IPL governing body has canceled the theatrical rights auction for season four, meaning there will be no screening of IPL matches in multiplexes.
  • Multiplexes such as PVR Cinemas, Cinemax, and Big Cinemas are focusing on the World Cup final match, with plans to increase screen capacity and add thousands of extra seats.
  • PVR Cinemas will screen the final match on 45 screens, with an additional 9,000 seats and 98% occupancy expected.
  • Big Cinemas is increasing the total number of seats by 30-40% for the World Cup final match.
  • Cinemax is reducing the number of screens for the World Cup final screening due to the release of two Bollywood films.

Statistics:

  • 31 PVR screens across India showed the semi-final match between India and Pakistan.
  • The planned number of PVR screens for the final match is 45, with an additional 9,000 seats.
  • The minimum price for the match tickets is around Rs 350, which can vary from theatre to theatre.
  • Big Cinemas is increasing the total number of seats by 30-40% for the World Cup final match.
  • Cinemax plans to screen the World Cup final on a reduced number of screens due to the release of the two Bollywood films.

Sources:

  • [1] "Indian Premier League to sell TV rights, not theatrical rights, for fourth season," Asia Pulse, April 4.
  • [2] "IPL: Multiplexes gear up for WC final; drop plan to show IPL matches," PTI, cg 04-04 1730.
  • [3] "PVR Cinemas planning to add 9,000 seats for WC final match," PTI, cg 04-04 1730.
  • [4] "Cinemax to reduce number of screens for World Cup final screening," PTI, cg 04-04 1730.