ABU DHABI, May 1: Rupert Murdoch-owned Global Cricket Corporation (GCC), which paid $550 million to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for major tournament rights till 2007, has incurred losses, one of its top officials said.

But GCC managing director Ian Frykberg said the company would bid again in the next round.

In 2000, GCC bought rights, including for World Cups, Champions Trophies and under-19 World Cups until 2007 World Cup in West Indies, but it suffered an undisclosed loss, said Frykberg.

“We have been very happy with the game's profile, particularly in India. There certainly haven't been any major profits from the contract (with ICC),” he added.

However, GCC will attempt to secure the rights again when ICC starts bidding process soon.

“The (GCC) contract ends with 2007 World Cup. We will be taking a very strong interest in events going forward. We will be looking very strongly at an extension,” said Frykberg.

Asked if GCC would like to have a different kind of arrangement from previous one, he said it was a mater for the ICC to decide.

“They are still making a decision on how events will be and for how long before they put out a tender document. We will tender along with a number of other interested parties, I should think,” he said.

“But fact is that's business, and we look forward to a very good tournament in India (Champions Trophy this October-November) and a very good tournament in West Indies (World Cup). We are very happy with our relationship with ICC and BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket India).”—Agencies