Sony snaps up five-year deal for England cricket rights in India
Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired exclusive broadcast and digital rights on a five-year term, from the England and Wales Cricket Board for the India territory.
The deal, which starts this year, will continue until 2022. Last year, Sony Pictures Networks India had also bought Australia cricket rights for a seven-year period. It is also hoping to bet big on the upcoming India media rights. The broadcaster had lost the IPL rights last year to Star TV India.
The new agreement will permit Sony India to televise/stream men’s and women’s international matches, including Test series’, T20 Internationals and ODIs, played in England. The broadcaster also holds rights for 80 international men’s and women’s matches during the period, which includes India’s tour of England this summer consisting of five Test matches, three ODIs and three T20 Internationals.
Sony Pictures Networks India, MD and CEO NP Singh said, “The acquisition of media rights of ECB for a five-year term, effective now through 2022, provides for some exciting cricket viewership. Cricket is a passion for most Indians and this term of ECB games includes three tours of the Indian cricket team which promises some thrilling cricket, the first of these coming close on the heels of the hugely exciting South Africa series. SPN will now be home to almost all international away series giving our fans a one-stop destination to view their favourite stars in action. We remain committed to building a multi-sports culture in India and we will lead sports broadcast action during June to September 2018 by airing FIFA for football fans and ECB games for cricket lovers.”
English Cricket Board CEO Tom Harrison added, “Today’s announcement means millions of cricket fans across the Indian subcontinent can follow their favourite team in action the next time they tour England – as well as enjoying access to iconic cricketing contests like next year’s Ashes. It will also help further raise the global profile of the English game – giving both the England men’s and women’s teams valuable exposure in a part of the world where people are passionate about cricket and avid followers of the global game as well as their own national team.”
