The International Cricket Council (ICC), the international cricket governing body, has announced that the media baron, Disney Star has acquired rights to all ICC cricket in India.
The broadcasting unit has won the TV and digital rights for the next four years. The association includes the men’s and women’s fixtures till the end of 2027.
Disney Star won the rights after a single-round sealed bid process. The value of media rights has witnessed a massive hike from the previous cycle.
Prior to the announcement of the bid winner, a thorough tender, evaluation and bidding process was carried out, which commenced earlier this year in June.
On the prolonged partnership with Disney Star, ICC Chair Greg Barclay said, “We are delighted to continue to partner with Disney Star as the home of ICC cricket for the next four years which has delivered an outstanding result for our Members and will support our ambitious growth plans. They will play a crucial role in the future of our sport and connecting and engaging with more fans than ever before.
Speaking on associating with the ICC, K Madhavan, Country Manager & President, Disney Star said, “We are delighted at being able to continue our association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and look forward to strengthening our partnership by growing the sport of cricket in the years ahead.
“With the acquisition of the ICC Digital and TV broadcast rights, Disney Star has further strengthened its status as the premier destination for marquee cricket events in the country.”
Barclay added, “Having a broadcast and digital partner for women’s events in India is a significant step forward in our ambition to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. Disney Star presented impressive plans for the promotion of women’s cricket and they clearly share our vision so I’m incredibly excited by the size of the opportunity ahead.
“This was an incredibly competitive process, which isn’t surprising given the huge audiences that cricket consistently attracts with more than a billion fans that passionately follow the game globally. I’d like to thank all of the bidders for their interest in and support of cricket.”
Acquiring the rights to the ICC cricket in India becomes the latest addition to Disney Star’s lucrative media rights portfolio that consists of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Cricket Australia.