Broadcast sharing with DD compulsory

The Indian government has told television companies holding cricket rights involving the national team to share the feed with the state broadcaster in future.

Thursday's decision is a big setback for private broadcasters who have enjoyed exclusive rights in cricket-mad India.

"The sports channels having TV broadcasting rights shall, with immediate effect, share their feed with (state-run) Prasar Bharti for national and international sporting events held in India or abroad," said Information Broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy.

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"In case of cricket events, these shall include all matches featuring India and the semi-finals and final of international competitions," he told reporters after a federal cabinet meeting.

The Indian cricket board's attempt to award its lucrative TV rights long-term have also been affected by legal problems for more than a year.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Thursday sold the rights for two forthcoming one-day series against Sri Lanka and South Africa to Prasar Bharti for around 900 million rupees ($20 million).