Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has affirmed the extension of its exclusive media rights with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The partnership renewal has been inked for six years until 2018.
India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Myanmar are included in this association.
All senior Men’s International and Women’s International along with the domestic competitions are included in this collaboration, according to an official statement. Viewers can access the content on the network’s OTT platform, SonyLIV.
NP Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “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.”
Around 250 days of international men’s cricket will be showcased by the broadcasting unit. White ball series and five-match Test series between India and England men’s team will be available along with the women’s series between the two teams.
Domestic cricket competitions like The Hundred, Royal London Cup, Vitality Blast and County Championship have been included in this development.
Speaking on the extension, Clare Connor, interim CEO, England and Wales Cricket Board, said, “This partnership also enables us to bring the men’s County game to the biggest cricket audience in the world. After the conclusion of the England versus 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.”
After losing out on the media rights to Cricket Australia (CA) to Star Sports, Sony has managed to retain some elite cricket action in its portfolio with this ECB deal.