ITV wins Indian Premier League UK rights

Terrestrial UK broadcaster, ITV has scooped the television rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL), it�۪s been confirmed.

It’s the first time in 30 years that cricket will be shown on ITV. The matches will be shown free-to-air on digital channel, ITV4 from Friday 12th March.

The deal consists of the broadcaster telecasting 59 of the 60 matches live over the 45-day period.

While ITV will use pictures from host broadcaster, MAX from the Multi Screen Media network. ITV will have its own studio guests talking about the live action. Bollywood actress Mandira Bedi will present the coverage (including MAX coverage) alongside Matt Smith.

Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, said; “This is a hugely significant deal for the IPL and ideally suited to the British passion for both cricket and entertainment.”

ITV will also dedicate a specialist section to the IPL on its official website, including live streaming of matches through webcasts.

ITV will support the matches with a prominent marketing campaign on ITV.

Prior to this deal, pay channel, Setanta Sports held the rights to the tournament before it was shut down last year.

“In only two years, the Indian Premier League has already established itself as one of the world’s most high profile and exciting sports events which attracts some of the very best cricketers from around the globe,” said the ITV director of digital channels and acquisitions, Zai Bennett.

Its already been confirmed that YouTube will stream matches live in an exclusive deal with IPL organisers. Hindi broadcaster, Colors will also be telecasting special shows around the much talked about tournament.