While Ten managed a TVR of 10.7 for the one day international played between India and Pakistan on 16 March 2004, ranking sixth in the top 100, Doordarshan came in at number seven, clocking a TVR of 10.0.

While Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii on Star Plus refused to let go of the top five spots, the ODI fetched better ratings for the two channels than the earlier week, when Ten Sports came in at number 14 with a TVR of 8.5 and DD followed at number 24 with a TVR of 6.4.

While Ten Sports has obviously benefited from the double exposure that the ODI fetched by being simulcasted on the channel as well as DD, Doordarshan, despite stellar ratings, has not much to show for it. While advertisers have gone away smiling, DD which announced a Rs 100 million profit for a free telecast of the first match, has had to contend with providing the entire Ten feed from the second match on.

The ratings will probably get better as the ODI series reached its climactic end on 23 March 2004. Ten Sports should feel vindicated.