MTV to challenge Sri Lanka Cricket’s deal with CSN

MTV Channels Ltd., is exploring options to legally challenge the Sri Lanka Cricket’s decision to grant television rights for three years to politically-connected Carlton Sports Network (CSN).

MTV has in writing requested for a cancellation alleging that due process was not followed and the selection was flawed and unreasonable.

Claiming that SLC maintains a transparent policy SLC Chief Executive Officer Ajith Jayasekera had stated that Expression of Interest to award television rights were first advertised in February 2012 though MTV didn’t respond.
However, MTV had said that the advertisement carried the misleading headline “sponsorship opportunities” and the process was a complete departure from past best practices adding that SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranatunga is also the CEO of CSN tantamount to serious conflict of interest.
Among charges made by MTV is that the advertisements were ambiguous and did not communicate clearly the nature or importance of the rights on offer thereby misinforming potential bidders. Furthermore MTV has said that the established process for calling bids through direct correspondence with eligible media organizations (only two as per the criteria set by the Government) wasn’t followed.