Nimbus wins Bangla cricket rights for $56 million

After scooping the Indian cricket rights earlier this year, Nimbus Sports can now boast the win of all Bangladesh cricket games played in the country until 2012.

The six-year deal worth $56.88 million begins 1st November 2006 and ends 31st March 2012. ZEE Network was also in the running for the rights but was outbid by Nimbus. ZEE Network’s bid was $23 million lower.

Previous rights holder ESPN STAR paid $11.75 for a five-year period. This time round the deal is five times over.

Nimbus’ sports channel in India Neo Sports will begin telecast of the Bangladesh cricket, later this month. It will consist of a five-match one-day series against Zimbabwe. This will then be followed by Bangladesh playing two one day internationals against Bermuda and another with Canada in early 2007.

As Neo Sports is unavailable in the UK, it is unclear as to who will broadcast the matches here.