ECB Strikes Asian TV Rights Agreement
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has extended its partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for exclusive television and digital rights for a number of Asian territories.
The deal has been signed for six years, running until 2028, and covers the domestic broadcast rights in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Maldives.
The renewal will give SPN the exclusive rights to broadcast all senior men’s international and women’s international cricket, along with domestic competitions on its sports channels. The exclusive content from ECB will also be streamed on SPN’s premium OTT platform SonyLIV.
SPN will get access to around 250 days of international men’s cricket, including men’s five-match Test series and limited over series between England and India, and women’s series between the two nations as well.
The deal includes other iconic series like The Ashes, as well as matches against other top international teams including Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa.
In addition to the international cricket, Sony Sports also has the rights to telecast domestic competitions that include LV=Insurance County Championship, Vitality Blast and Royal London Cup.
N.P. Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, commented, “SPN has had an outstanding association with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), that has enabled us to bring premiere sporting content to our viewers who enjoy cricket. The extension of the broadcast partnership is a testament to our strong portfolio of sports content in the country, which we have successfully built and nurtured over the years.
“This association is an opportunity to bring to the Indian audience an unparalleled viewing experience across the Sony Sports Network and our digital platform SonyLIV. This partnership will only bolster our endeavour further.”
Clare Connor, Interim CEO, England and Wales Cricket Board, added, “We’re delighted to extend this partnership for another six years, broadcasting England Men’s and Women’s home international cricket to a passionate global audience. This partnership also enables us to bring the men’s County game to the biggest cricket audience in the world.
“After the thrilling conclusion of the England v India Men’s Test series last month, there is so much fantastic cricket to look forward to over the coming years, including the Women’s series between England and India next month. I am sure fans will continue to be entertained and enthralled by the contests between our two countries.”
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