The channel war over cricket telecast is getting murkier. After Doordarshan refused to encrypt cricket signals provided by Nimbus, the private broadcaster — which has exclusive telecast rights — now wants DD signals banned from DTH providers Tata Sky and Dish TV.

Nimbus wants only its own cricket signals on DTH platforms, but Tata and Dish say they will carry DD signals too. Nimbus has now approached the Union ministry for information and broadcasting “for suitable and urgent action,” to stop Tata and Dish.

Nimbus claims in a letter to the I &B ministry that “at a meeting held in Mr Sharad Pawar’s office it was categorically confirmed that the DD DTH signal is not for re-transmission.” Sharad Pawar — who is also chairman of the BCCI — and I&B minister P R Dasmunsi were present at the meeting on February 6.

I&B ministry officials say no such decision was taken and it is merely an interpretation by Nimbus. DD’s own claim on live cricket signals, gained through an ordinance on February 2, is under judicial scrutiny. The Delhi high court will hear the case on February 15 again.

An official in the I&B ministry said the Nimbus plea “will be considered under DTH guidelines,” meaning chances are less for the plea to be granted. However, S K Arora, Secretary I&B said “the entire matter is sub-judice,” and “there is nothing to talk about.”

If Nimbus’ plea is granted, subscribers of Dish TV DTH will be denied cricket viewing. Tata has an exclusive arrangement with Nimubs to carry its signals and Nimbus wrote to both DTH providers that they should stop using DD signals.

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