ECB in a difficult position as India asks for change in series schedule to accommodate IPL

[Last Monetarist]

Not that it is going to happen. But Test series are cut short all the time these days. The PCB, SLC, WI et all cut tests to play T20. In fact didn't the PCB and WI just recently cut a test from their schedule? I remember PCB "postponing" an entire test series with Aus a few years ago.

So nothing out of the ordinary if a test is cut out.

The value of the ECB's broadcasting rights are dependent on a certain number of test matches played each year, the valuation of the contract is based on the pre-agreed FTP schedule, which is why the ECB announces touring dates and even venues a few years before the tour. This is a fundamental difference between the ECB and the other boards. Test match cricket is the highest earner for the ECB.

In the case of an Indian tour, the ECB earns circa 80-90 million pounds in incremental revenue from Sony India in comparison with the other years on the contract. It's this higher broadcasting revenue that results in the ECB turning a profit in the years that India tour. Again the valuation of the contract is dependent on the number of matches that India play on the tour.

If the ECB cancels a test match this summer, the broadcasting companies will all demand a cut in the distribution payments allocated for the summer. A change in dates is probably the only viable solution for the ECB which won't result in a significant loss of revenue.

 

[Hasan123]

$350mn is hanging on the IPL. The IPL will likely be played in the UAE. BCCI may cut short the English tour or advance the tests to accommodate it.

Interesting. If those are the numbers involved the IPL will definitely be completed. But I don't think hosting in England is a good idea as the weather is really unpredictable.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Are you saying they will threaten ECB if they don't get their way ?

Well there will be hard negotiations. ECB is very dependent on India tours and Ashes to generate funds. Similarly BCCI has to protect IPL.

If ECB isn't open to negotiations, then we may see a return of 3 match test series and a series every 6 years as was the case in the past.

If ECB does help BCCI, then BCCI will help ECB in future.

 

[UzmanBeast]

$350mn is hanging on the IPL. The IPL will likely be played in the UAE. BCCI may cut short the English tour or advance the tests to accommodate it.

One question still remains.

September is likely being scheduled for Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI series, so how will the BCCI use the UAE if Afghanistan is doing that?

 

[UzmanBeast]

Well there will be hard negotiations. ECB is very dependent on India tours and Ashes to generate funds. Similarly BCCI has to protect IPL.

If ECB isn't open to negotiations, then we may see a return of 3 match test series and a series every 6 years as was the case in the past.

If ECB does help BCCI, then BCCI will help ECB in future.

BCCI can quite simply help the ECB if they make some agreement to tour England quite frequently over the next few years.

Perhaps a test series every year for the next 2-3 years.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Posters on both sides of the fence are reading far too much into this. This request isn't necessarily a show of Indian might, its more so friendly discussions between two boards during a tough time for cricket due to the pandemic.

I hope they come to an amicable solution. My preference would be for the test series to remain intact but I'm sure India and England will be able to negotiate and make sure the solution works for both sides.

 

[U$ofA]

BCCI can quite simply help the ECB if they make some agreement to tour England quite frequently over the next few years.

Perhaps a test series every year for the next 2-3 years.

I am sure the ECB would love it if they can alternate between home Ashes and India tour every two years. Perhaps it is already that way.

 

[U$ofA]

Posters on both sides of the fence are reading far too much into this. This request isn't necessarily a show of Indian might, its more so friendly discussions between two boards during a tough time for cricket due to the pandemic.

I hope they come to an amicable solution. My preference would be for the test series to remain intact but I'm sure India and England will be able to negotiate and make sure the solution works for both sides.

You are reading it wrong as well. There has been no request of any kind from the BCCI.

 

[Rajdeep]

There are 9 days gap between 2nd and 3rd test. Why do they need such a huge gap? They can bring the 3rd test ahead by a week and the problem is solved. All 5 test matches gets played, no disturbance on hundreds tournament and also IPL goes ahead in Sept.
Simple solution

 

[HitWicket]

There are 9 days gap between 2nd and 3rd test. Why do they need such a huge gap? They can bring the 3rd test ahead by a week and the problem is solved. All 5 test matches gets played, no disturbance on hundreds tournament and also IPL goes ahead in Sept.
Simple solution

The gap is there to allow the England players to play in the knockouts of the hundred (and because 1 slightly longer gap is normal in the middle of a 5 test series).

 

[Rana]

There are 9 days gap between 2nd and 3rd test. Why do they need such a huge gap? They can bring the 3rd test ahead by a week and the problem is solved. All 5 test matches gets played, no disturbance on hundreds tournament and also IPL goes ahead in Sept.
Simple solution

This is Test cricket, the real men’s game. They don’t need to hurry and and rush their schedule because T20 pointless cricket must resume.

 

[Ab Fan]

There are 9 days gap between 2nd and 3rd test. Why do they need such a huge gap? They can bring the 3rd test ahead by a week and the problem is solved. All 5 test matches gets played, no disturbance on hundreds tournament and also IPL goes ahead in Sept.
Simple solution

In a 5 test match series, you need one long break in between the series, just like how there was a break before the pink ball test Vs England in India which was the 3rd test and there was a break after 2nd test in Australia also. Fast bowlers surely need that one long break in between in such a long series.

 

[Ab Fan]

IPL shouldn't continue any more this year. They should focus on how to host the IPL next year in India now because it is not gonna be as easy even then.

For this year, they should simply award it to Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals as they were no.1 ranked team.

 

[Rajdeep]

In a 5 test match series, you need one long break in between the series, just like how there was a break before the pink ball test Vs England in India which was the 3rd test and there was a break after 2nd test in Australia also. Fast bowlers surely need that one long break in between in such a long series.

It should change with the demand of modern day cricket. Remember previously touring teams used to play couple of practice matches before 1st test. Then after 3 test matches, there was another practice match and then remaining 2 test matches. So the gaps between games were huge.

But now no one has so much time and everything is fast tracked. With so many formats, leagues and matches to play, a gap of 9 days looks needless. The only solution is to pick huge squads and rotate players to rest their body.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

IPL got its unofficial window and once again made a mockery of itself when it came to organising that joke of a tournament during the pandemic. Now please don't disrupt the international calendar for that low quality league.

 

[Rana]

In a 5 test match series, you need one long break in between the series, just like how there was a break before the pink ball test Vs England in India which was the 3rd test and there was a break after 2nd test in Australia also. Fast bowlers surely need that one long break in between in such a long series.

I think he is under the impression that England will be preparing dust bowls and trying to use spinners to bowl the bulk of the overs.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

IPL shouldn't continue any more this year. They should focus on how to host the IPL next year in India now because it is not gonna be as easy even then.

For this year, they should simply award it to Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals as they were no.1 ranked team.

I am with you on this. BCCI should just end the tournament now and save themselves from further embarrassment. You can't expect professionalism from them and they will repeat the same mistakes in another country if they are allowed to host the remaining IPL matches.

 

[Rajdeep]

IPL got its unofficial window and once again made a mockery of itself when it came to organising that joke of a tournament during the pandemic. Now please don't disrupt the international calendar for that low quality league.

Trust me bro...Just like last year, this year's remaining matches of IPL will be completed as well. If it means sacrificing some international games so be it. You can call it joke of a tournament all you want but in reality its the most important event in cricket calendar. There is a reason ICC has given it a seperate window and even scrapped T20 world cup last year to accomodate the mighty IPL. Its unfortunate to see people after still not able to come to terms with reality even after 13 years since its inception and taking their frustrations out in a cricket forum.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It should change with the demand of modern day cricket. Remember previously touring teams used to play couple of practice matches before 1st test. Then after 3 test matches, there was another practice match and then remaining 2 test matches. So the gaps between games were huge.

But now no one has so much time and everything is fast tracked. With so many formats, leagues and matches to play, a gap of 9 days looks needless. The only solution is to pick huge squads and rotate players to rest their body.

This is how it should be done otherwise some fans and coaches start giving excuses of lack of practice matches after losing the series.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Trust me bro...Just like last year, this year's remaining matches of IPL will be completed as well. If it means sacrificing some international games so be it. You can call it joke of a tournament all you want but in reality its the most important event in cricket calendar. There is a reason ICC has given it a seperate window and even scrapped T20 world cup last year to accomodate the mighty IPL. Its unfortunate to see people after still not able to come to terms with reality even after 13 years since its inception and taking their frustrations out in a cricket forum.

Why did it stop anyway? I thought it will end on its original completion date because even World War 3 can't stop it?

 

[Rajdeep]

Why did it stop anyway? I thought it will end on its original completion date because even World War 3 can't stop it?

It stopped because there were some unfortunate cases in the bubble and govt asked to stop. If this was an international tournament, it would have cancelled ages ago and no one would be talking about it. Just like no one talked when NZ series or Asia cup got cancelled last year. The fact that BCCI went ahead with IPL amidst this rampegic virus shows the importance of this league. They were kind of oblivious to the outside world and tournament would have completed on time had that Varun Chakravarty incident didnt happen. Anyway, I will enjoy some live IPL action here in Eng this september after we win the WTC and test series

 

[Bhaijaan]

Hopefully this can be resolved at lower level without the need for PM Modi to intervene.

In Covid times, England cannot risk international isolation.

 

[HitWicket]

Hopefully this can be resolved at lower level without the need for PM Modi to intervene.

In Covid times, England cannot risk international isolation.

Nothing to resolve, the BCCI agreed to the series as it is and the ECB aren't going to be moving the tests around. There's either a 2 week series to squeeze in the IPL in England after the series at the end of September or the BCCI will need to be looking elsewhere (the UAE or Sri Lanka presumably).

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

There should not be 5 match series anyways. IPL cannot be hosted in UK either, it is very difficult to maintain a bubble of 8 teams even here.

 

[HitWicket]

There should not be 5 match series anyways. IPL cannot be hosted in UK either, it is very difficult to maintain a bubble of 8 teams even here.

What do you think the plan is for the 8 team hundred...?

 

[SangasCoverDrive]

What do you think the plan is for the 8 team hundred...?

There is no bubble for Hundred just like County cricket?

 

[ChTab]

England's Test series with India is set to go ahead as scheduled this summer, despite reports earlier this week that Indian cricket's governing body, the BCCI, had enquired about moving the fifth Test at Old Trafford.

There had reportedly been concerns over a clash between the final Test match - scheduled to finish on September 14 - and the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was postponed in early May after a number of players tested positive for coronavirus.

But, IPL organisers are instead considering resuming the tournament on September 19 in the UAE, with the final taking place on October 10.

 

[Rana]

[MENTION=149166]Technics 1210[/MENTION] [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

Remember your chest-thumping over the comments of Ashley Giles when he stated that the English players will not be available for IPL because of some T20I series vs Pakistan and Bangladesh?

And here we are, ECB is thinking about scrapping a home Test to accommodate IPL....in England. )

I said it before and I will say it again. The views of Giles hold no importance. If he was playing today, a nothing player like him would not even get picked in IPL for free.

The top England stars, who are also IPL stars, will play IPL irrespective of how Giles feels, even if it means ECB scrapping a home Test to accommodate IPL.

Jee sir.

Should I buy some IPL tickets for this September in London?

 

[Rana]

England's Test series with India is set to go ahead as scheduled this summer, despite reports earlier this week that Indian cricket's governing body, the BCCI, had enquired about moving the fifth Test at Old Trafford.

There had reportedly been concerns over a clash between the final Test match - scheduled to finish on September 14 - and the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was postponed in early May after a number of players tested positive for coronavirus.

But, IPL organisers are instead considering resuming the tournament on September 19 in the UAE, with the final taking place on October 10.

Sorry but [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] has said Ashley Giles has no standing and this 5th Test will be scrapped to host IPL

 

[U$ofA]

England's Test series with India is set to go ahead as scheduled this summer, despite reports earlier this week that Indian cricket's governing body, the BCCI, had enquired about moving the fifth Test at Old Trafford.

There had reportedly been concerns over a clash between the final Test match - scheduled to finish on September 14 - and the resumption of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which was postponed in early May after a number of players tested positive for coronavirus.

But, IPL organisers are instead considering resuming the tournament on September 19 in the UAE, with the final taking place on October 10.

How does this affect the international calendar?

This just means the Eng-Ind tests are not affected. But now some other series is likely going to get affected.

 

[Rana]

They are happy, counties will make good money during these tough times.

It is sad to think Counties won’t make good money this September

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

You don’t seem to understand. It is not about the India vs England Test series.

The bottom-line is that no matter when and where IPL is resumed, the top English IPL stars - Stokes, Buttler, Bairstow, Curran, Roy, Archer (if he is fit) will play.

So it is up to ECB to navigate around this reality that the delusional Ashley Giles wanted to shy away from when he foolishly thundered that the English players would skip IPL for LOIs against small teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The reality is that they won’t. Hence, it is up to ECB if they wish to scrap the 5th Test vs India or send a fringe squad to play against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

If IPL can find a window that does not coincide with an England series, it would be ideal for England, but ECB should not think, for even one moment, that they can dictate its players and talk them out of playing in IPL.

 

[U$ofA]

All can rest easy. Nothing going to be cut in the Eng-Ind series. Looks like the SA tour to India will be the causality.

If the IPL is being played instead of the SA series, I have to assume that even half an IPL is a bigger money spinner than an international home series.

 

[Mamoon]

Ashley Giles made a grave error on May 11 when he publicly stated that England have a busy few months coming up and its players will not be available to play in the IPL when it is resumed.

It was an idiotic, delusional statement that was made without the consent and the approval of the players.

It was also not well-received in BCCI headquarters, and within 10 days of that goof up by Giles, the news emerged that BCCI is pressurizing ECB to cut-short its home Test series to accommodate the IPL.

While fans on PP who get sleepless nights because of the success of IPL started popping champagne bottles after Giles’ statement, in reality, it backfired and resulted in BCCI arm twisting ECB in an awkward position.

If Giles had not opened his mouth and this high fantasy of the England players not playing IPL would not have emerged, this whole situation would have been avoided.

Giles seems to be as mediocre in office and he was with a ball in his hand. ECB needs a more intelligent, astute diplomat in his position who would weigh up his statements before blurting them out and would understand the ramifications and implications of his words.

Moreover, someone who would not labor under the delusion that ECB can dictate the players.

 

[Rana]

[MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION]

You don’t seem to understand. It is not about the India vs England Test series.

The bottom-line is that no matter when and where IPL is resumed, the top English IPL stars - Stokes, Buttler, Bairstow, Curran, Roy, Archer (if he is fit) will play.

So it is up to ECB to navigate around this reality that the delusional Ashley Giles wanted to shy away from when he foolishly thundered that the English players would skip IPL for LOIs against small teams like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The reality is that they won’t. Hence, it is up to ECB if they wish to scrap the 5th Test vs India or send a fringe squad to play against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

If IPL can find a window that does not coincide with an England series, it would be ideal for England, but ECB should not think, for even one moment, that they can dictate its players and talk them out of playing in IPL.

In a couple of months, I’ll be bumping this too...

 

[90MPH]

So desperate to cram this in when practically no cricket fan cares, even the casual ones.

Just ridiculous but money talks.

 

[Ab Fan]

Ashley Giles made a grave error on May 11 when he publicly stated that England have a busy few months coming up and its players will not be available to play in the IPL when it is resumed.

It was an idiotic, delusional statement that was made without the consent and the approval of the players.

It was also not well-received in BCCI headquarters, and within 10 days of that goof up by Giles, the news emerged that BCCI is pressurizing ECB to cut-short its home Test series to accommodate the IPL.

While fans on PP who get sleepless nights because of the success of IPL started popping champagne bottles after Giles’ statement, in reality, it backfired and resulted in BCCI arm twisting ECB in an awkward position.

If Giles had not opened his mouth and this high fantasy of the England players not playing IPL would not have emerged, this whole situation would have been avoided.

Giles seems to be as mediocre in office and he was with a ball in his hand. ECB needs a more intelligent, astute diplomat in his position who would weigh up his statements before blurting them out and would understand the ramifications and implications of his words.

Moreover, someone who would not labor under the delusion that ECB can dictate the players.

Brilliant summary. A bitter pill to swallow for our T20 lovers who hate IPL but a very clear and well-informed reality check for them .

 

[Hasan123]

BCCI are determined to finish the IPL , what they want they usually get . So it's just a question of when it will be fitted in and where it will be hosted.

I think the right call is to null and void the season but seems as though BCCI don't want to miss out on the revenue .

 

[Markhor]

So the schedule remains intact, not sure what the need for all the chest thumping was.

 

[IMMY69]

So the schedule remains intact, not sure what the need for all the chest thumping was.

I'm lost too.

Can someone explain how Giles messed up? What was taken away from the English Series?

 

[Rana]

So the schedule remains intact, not sure what the need for all the chest thumping was.

Apparently Ashley Giles has also committed some kind of cricket blasphemy by saying his players will give preference to the international schedule instead of a rescheduled IPL.

Let’s see if he will be punished by the BCCI for the disrespect or things will just continue as they should...

 

[Rana]

‘Grave error’

Can’t wait to milk this phrase

 

[cricketjoshila]

So desperate to cram this in when practically no cricket fan cares, even the casual ones.

Just ridiculous but money talks.

How do you know no cricket fan cares? Any idea about the viewership of the IPL?

 

[cricketjoshila]

I'm lost too.

Can someone explain how Giles messed up? What was taken away from the English Series?

We will know if and when English players play in the IPL this year.

 

[IMMY69]

How do you know no cricket fan cares? Any idea about the viewership of the IPL?

Are you telling me that RR Vs KKR gets more audience than say an India Vs England or India Vs Australia?
As a cricket fan what gives you more pleasure? Seeing a domestic team win a game or for India to win a test match against another international side?

 

[cricketjoshila]

Are you telling me that RR Vs KKR gets more audience than say an India Vs England or India Vs Australia?
As a cricket fan what gives you more pleasure? Seeing a domestic team win a game or for India to win a test match against another international side?

IPL is the most watched cricket tournament. Its viewership has gone through the roof. Its unwise for anyone to say, fans dont care about it.

 

[Rana]

“England's players are unlikely to be able to participate in the remaining stages of the IPL, as they travel to Bangladesh and Pakistan in October.”

Sky Sports News

 

[Rana]

Sky Sports has its own stakes involved in these away series for England.

Pakistan hosting England is going to be broadcasted on Sky Sports as Pakistan’s home broadcaster. Not sure what the gig with Bangladesh is and if the broadcasting rights are with BT or another supplier like Freesports

 

[Rana]

During the IPL, Pakistan v England will most likely take centre stage on Sky Sports cricket and Main event, whereas the IPL will be on the Sky Sports Mix channel.

 

[U$ofA]

Are you telling me that RR Vs KKR gets more audience than say an India Vs England or India Vs Australia?
As a cricket fan what gives you more pleasure? Seeing a domestic team win a game or for India to win a test match against another international side?

Well....at $2.6 Billion I have to say it must be pretty close. No broadcaster is going to throw that kind of money for nothing. There has to be an audience.

The $2.6 Billion by the way, likely is the largest broadcast deal.

 

[Rajdeep]

Are you telling me that RR Vs KKR gets more audience than say an India Vs England or India Vs Australia?
As a cricket fan what gives you more pleasure? Seeing a domestic team win a game or for India to win a test match against another international side?

IPL gets more viewership than internationals. Its been like this for many years actually. Infact not just more but much more in actual numbers. Most of us here are cricket fanatics and knows the importance of test cricket/international cricket. But we are in minority, majority casual fans prefer IPL more than anything.

 

[Rajdeep]

During the IPL, Pakistan v England will most likely take centre stage on Sky Sports cricket and Main event, whereas the IPL will be on the Sky Sports Mix channel.

Correct and that is because England is involved...nothing to do with Pakistan actually.

Remember, IPL was on Sky main event/cricket channel where as Pak vs SA matches was pushed to mix.

 

[Rana]

Correct and that is because England is involved...nothing to do with Pakistan actually.

Remember, IPL was on Sky main event/cricket channel where as Pak vs SA matches was pushed to mix.

IPL was also pushed to SS Mix when England women’s played against WI women’s.

 

[Hasan123]

It's hilarious how known haters of the big 3 and people who mocked me for the big 3 quality of cricket thread are now defending a big 3 match being played over the IPL lol.

Let's be honest outside of when the big 3 play each other and New Zealand , there isn't that much interest in other international fixtures. You want any proof, Bangladesh are playing Sri Lanka right now and even on this cricket crazy forum no one cares. You can think international cricket quality is better than the IPL, that is fine. But it seems like neutral fans care more about the IPL then international fixtures that don't involve the big 3 and NZ.

Cricket is changing . ICC and broadcasters are going to adapt. We may have to do the same. Don't see cricket turning into T20 leagues soley. But this current international system will definitely change.

 

[Rana]

It's hilarious how known haters of the big 3 and people who mocked me for the big 3 quality of cricket thread are now defending a big 3 match being played over the IPL lol.

Let's be honest outside of when the big 3 play each other and New Zealand , there isn't that much interest in other international fixtures. You want any proof, Bangladesh are playing Sri Lanka right now and even on this cricket crazy forum no one cares. You can think international cricket quality is better than the IPL, that is fine. But it seems like neutral fans care more about the IPL then international fixtures that don't involve the big 3 and NZ.

Cricket is changing . ICC and broadcasters are going to adapt. We may have to do the same. Don't see cricket turning into T20 leagues soley. But this current international system will definitely change.

Great write up. I read this with a tear in my eye

 

[hitthestump]

BCCI are now going after the CPL in order to find a window. There's also a possibility IPL may finish just a week before the World t20 starts.

Why are BCCI acting like missing one half of IPL for 1 year will bankrupt them? This is pure money grabbing, nothing more.

It's shameful to have no qualms will selling out a global sport for your own greed, just because you are blessed with the financial muscle to push other boards around.

 

[silentkiller187]

Correct and that is because England is involved...nothing to do with Pakistan actually.

Remember, IPL was on Sky main event/cricket channel where as Pak vs SA matches was pushed to mix.

i wouldn't read too much into that, IPL used to get taken off air a couple of years back when the horse racing used to come on.

 

[Rana]

i wouldn't read too much into that, IPL used to get taken off air a couple of years back when the horse racing used to come on.

Can you imagine,

Pakistan v England on Sky Sports Main event and Cricket, whilst Rajasthan Royals is playing Chennai Superkings

Stokes, Archer, Butler and Curran are playing on Sky Sports Mix whilst England B string is playing on Sky Sports Main Event )

 

[Rajdeep]

i wouldn't read too much into that, IPL used to get taken off air a couple of years back when the horse racing used to come on.

Can you remind me when did that happen? Not that I would be surprised bcoz racing is a bigger sport in UK than cricket but in my memory that has never happen. I am a big fan of horse racing myself and it only moved to ITV in 2017. The last time IPL was on ITV was back in 2014. Since 2017, Sky cricket has rights of IPL and it has nothing to do with horse racing as they have seperate channel for that (no. 415)

Also, I am not reading too much into it and neither I am fussed about it. It was [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] who raised this topic that IPL will be pushed to Mix with Pak-Eng will be shown on their main channel. Its hardly surprising as Sky sports has obligation to show all England sports (men, women, U19 etc.) on their main channel. It has nothing to do with status of the series or involvement of Pakistan. When England is not involved, Sky Sports has shown which series is more important and thats why they pushed SA-Pak series to mix but continued IPL on their main channel in HD.

 

[silentkiller187]

Can you remind me when did that happen? Not that I would be surprised bcoz racing is a bigger sport in UK than cricket but in my memory that has never happen. I am a big fan of horse racing myself and it only moved to ITV in 2017. The last time IPL was on ITV was back in 2014. Since 2017, Sky cricket has rights of IPL and it has nothing to do with horse racing as they have seperate channel for that (no. 415)

Also, I am not reading too much into it and neither I am fussed about it. It was [MENTION=2016]Rana[/MENTION] who raised this topic that IPL will be pushed to Mix with Pak-Eng will be shown on their main channel. Its hardly surprising as Sky sports has obligation to show all England sports (men, women, U19 etc.) on their main channel. It has nothing to do with status of the series or involvement of Pakistan. When England is not involved, Sky Sports has shown which series is more important and thats why they pushed SA-Pak series to mix but continued IPL on their main channel in HD.

you seem fussed enough to write paragraphs about it. Its all about money at the end of the day whoever pays more has precedent. Im sure channel 4 also jigged around the schedule during the England India test matches, they used to do it before. I wouldn't use it as a barometer of which is more important, that is all subjective.