$105 World Cup package leaves fans in dismay

FOR the cricket-loving community in Singapore, it is the event not to be missed this year.

Yet, not everyone is thrilled ahead of the start of the Cricket World Cup tomorrow.

The reason - the high price of catching their favourite teams in action.

To catch the likes of India's Sachin Tendulkar and Australia's Ricky Ponting, fans here have to pay $105 under StarHub's Pay-Per-View package.

The package offers exclusive action of all 51 matches, as well as match highlights.

However, project manager Pinnapapi Praslada Rao said: 'The price is way too high this year. I will just follow the scores on the Internet.'

During the 2003 World Cup, the subscription price was $65.

Those who paid for the subscription this year also lamented the steep cost.

Businessman Anish Mathew, 41, said: 'I'm a huge cricket fan, so even if it costs $200, I would still pay.

'But this is not going to help increase the popularity of the sport.'

StarHub was unable to provide the subscription figures for the package.

But Thomas Ee, its senior vice-president for cable, fixed and IP services, said: 'The response from our customers has been encouraging, and is in line with our expectations.'

In comparison, StarHub's fees are still cheaper than what some cable operators in other countries are charging.

For example, Malaysia's pay-TV channel Astro charges RM499.95 (S$218).

In the United States, cable provider EchoStar charges US$199.95 (S$305).

Despite the money gripes, most fans are rubbing their hands in anticipation of the seven-week competition.

Said cricket coach Grant Stanley: 'It works out to less than $2 a match, so I have no complaints. I'm just looking forward to the action.'