India’s top premium sports broadcasting network, Sony Sports Network has confirmed the extension of its exclusive global media rights of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) until March 2027.
Beginning with April 2023, the network will have the exclusive right to broadcast and live stream all senior men’s cricket matches organised by SLC over the term of the agreement, except Sri Lanka, where the network only has paid television rights.
Cricket fans will have enough to look forward to over the next five years as Sri Lanka hosts India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, the West Indies, Ireland, and Afghanistan. The network will air matches of The Lankan Lions, who will play Ireland in a two-match Test series, beginning on April 16, 2023. The thrilling cricket season will then come to a close when Sri Lanka hosts Pakistan at home in July 2023.
In 2024 and 2026, India will tour Sri Lanka. After a two-year-long break, the Men in Blue will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is against Sri Lanka in July 2024. In August 2026, India would then return to Sri Lanka for their first Test series in the region since 2017.
Along with the rights of SLC, Sony also holds the broadcasting rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, commented, “We are happy to extend our long-standing and successful partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket. The current Asian cricket champion, Sri Lanka, is a formidable team in the continent and the extended partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket will engage cricket fans across markets. We will continue our momentum to serve cricket fans with quality international cricket.”
Ashley De Silva, CEO, Sri Lanka Cricket, said, “We are extremely happy to continue our partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India, an international entity with a strong profile, and are confident that it will help us reach the desired global audience with the games played at home.”