IPL rights up for grabs after Setanta closure

The telecast rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be back up for grabs after the closure of troubled channel Setanta Sports in Great Britain.

Setanta, which had over 1.2 million subscribers, had recently screened the second season of the IPL as part of a five year agreement it had with UK rights holder World Sport Group (WSG) and host broadcaster Multi Screen Media India (Sony Entertainment Television).

At the time of filing this article, BizAsia.co.uk was awaiting a response from Multi Screen Media India and Setanta.

Last year, Setanta had also acquired the rights to show the Asia Cup cricket tournament.

The Irish firm’s UK channels were turned off at 18:00 today and replaced with a message telling viewers that the company had “ceased trading in Great Britain”.

Deloitte, which has been appointed administrator, said Setanta’s international and Ireland businesses will stay on air while a buyer is sought.