The Indian media and entertainment company, Viacom18, has signed a new seven-year arrangement with Cricket South Africa (CSA) for exclusive digital and TV rights to all international cricket from 2024 to 2031. As a member of the association, Viacom18 will broadcast all senior Men’s and Senior Women’s international competitions held in South Africa.
Viacom18’s diverse portfolio also contains the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which is set to run from November 20 to December 18. All matches will be broadcast live exclusively on JioCinema and pay-TV channels Sports18.
Viacom18’s dedication to presenting world-class cricket action from South Africa is strengthened by the Cricket South Africa partnership, which is followed by the announcement of a 10-year collaboration with SA20, South Africa’s recently introduced premier cricket league. Cricket South Africa and Viacom18 will collaborate to improve the exhibition of international cricket from South Africa to India’s ardent fanbase.
India and South Africa have a tradition of staging unbelievable competitions that have been enhanced by mutual appreciation, such as India being the first nation to perform against the Proteas after apartheid or touring the Rainbow Nation during the peak of Omicron in December 2021.
The agreement covers all international cricket from South Africa, such as the historic Mahatma Gandhi-Nelson Mandela Series between India and South Africa. Other high-profile series’ that are included in the agreement are the Basil D’Oliveira series against England, as well as tours from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the West Indies, Australia, and Bangladesh.
Viacom18 Sports, CEO, Anil Jayaraj, said, “South Africa is one of the most competitive and formidable teams across formats in world cricket, and this partnership will offer some great contests to the cricket-loving fans in India. The association with Cricket South Africa is a testament of our pursuit to offer fans unrivalled, high-quality broadcast experience of some of the best cricket action in prime-time.”
CSA CEO, Pholetsi Moseki said, “CSA is pleased to partner with a broadcaster of Viacom18’s stature. This is affirmation of our intention to beam to our waiting fans, the flavour of cricket that South Africa has in store, which is always exhilarating and entertaining. This partnership is the beginning of a journey which will offer the thrill of watching cricket brought by a broadcaster that value viewer experience as supreme.”
Viacom18’s portfolio of international sporting events now includes the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, National Basketball Association (NBA), Diamond League, Serie A, Ligue 1, as well as ATP and BWF events.