MEDIA RIGHTS

SPN acquires subcontinent media rights for England matches

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

The media rights have been acquired for a period of five years © Getty

Sony Pictures Networks India has acquired media rights - for TV and digital - from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the Indian subcontinent for a period of five years from 2018-2022. As per the agreement, SPN has the right to telecast all the international matches - men's and women's - in the Indian subcontinent.

During the period, more than 80 international games are expected to be played in England and Wales. However, the rights do not include ICC matches. Apart from India's scheduled tour of England this year, which includes fives Tests, three ODIs and two T20Is, the 2019 Ashes is the other big-ticket series that is on the cards.

NP Singh, managing director of SPN, said: "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."

Tom Harrison, ECB CEO, 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."

Apart from India, the match will also be telecast and streamed real-time in Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

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