ZEE Network planning to re-enter cricket domain
ZEE Network’s Subhash Chandra has confirmed that its Essel Group is once again gearing up to enter the cricket domain again. The company says it is excited to enter the sports business at a global level, focusing on Cricket, since it has been limited to Commonwealth Countries.
In a statement issued today, Chandra said, “Essel Group has been analyzing the sports market and the reports reflect an extremely positive trend, indicating our nation as a sports-loving nation, than just a cricket-loving nation. Our nation has produced several sports heroes in the realm of badminton, tennis, wrestling, golf, air rifle, etc. that have earned significant reputation not only for themselves but also for India. In order to enhance the overall sports business, we look forward to the entry of other Indian business houses as well.”
The statement also ruled out any involvement from Lalit Modi, the found of the Indian Premier League. It said, “We would also like to clarify that, Lalit Modi has no linkage whatsoever with Essel Group in this initiative. Essel Group is independently taking up this initiative on its own accord.”
“Essel Group is a large business conglomerate with business interests in media, infrastructure, utilities, manufacturing, financial services, etc. As a business conglomerate, Essel Group is constantly developing new businesses that fit into the company�۪s ethos. Essel Group takes immense pride in being the pioneer to grow and develop the domestic cricket market in India, with the launch of Indian Cricket League way back in 2007. Indian Premier League followed the footsteps of Indian Cricket League. Essel Group also owns the Mumbai Football Club for the last seven years,” it said.
The statement concluded with denial that Ten Sports Network was registering certain entities, pertaining to cricket as a sport. “A recent media story, has falsely reported that Ten Sports Network has been registering certain entities, pertaining to Cricket as a sport. We would like to clarify that the same is not true, since Ten Sports Network has no connection to this initiative, it being a sports network owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., a publicly listed company on Indian stock exchanges. Ten Sports Network holds the broadcast rights for five major cricketing boards namely South Africa (CSA) , Zimbabwe (ZC) , West Indies (WICB), Sri Lanka (SLC) & Pakistan (PCB) and many other premier sporting events like UEFA Champions League, US Open and WWE. It is a dominant player in the cricket broadcasting and production arena,” the statement said.
