The UAE T20 League has signed a long-term global media rights agreement with the global media and entertainment powerhouse, ZEE. The league will be broadcast exclusively on ZEE’s linear channels along with its OTT platform, ZEE5.
The UAE T20 League is a professional cricket tournament with six teams participating in a 34-match competition.
Several Indian companies, that already have a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have acquired a franchise in this tournament to expand their brand across the globe. The teams include Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Sportsline, Knight Riders Group, GMR Group, and Capri Global. Moreover, Manchester United co-chairman, Avram Glazer has also purchased a team in this league.
The broadcaster stated that it has a global presence in over 190 countries, which will enable it to bring the league to more than 100 million households.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of UAE’s T20 League said, “Nothing can be more satisfying than to have a credible broadcast partner like ZEE associated with the League. I am thankful to both Punit Goenka, MD & CEO and Rahul Johri, president – of business South Asia at ZEE for having faith in this League and to grow into a commercially successful enterprise. It is further a matter of delight that ZEE has decided to re-enter sports broadcasts with UAE’s T20 League being the first media rights acquisition. We are very confident that ZEE has the strength of viewership to take our League to unmatched levels.”
Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, said, “At ZEE, we are delighted to be the official global media rights holder of UAE’s T20 League. We believe that the League, which is already attracting globally, the biggest cricket stars and team franchises, will provide fantastic cricket and entertainment to viewers across the world. ZEE is committed to use the strength of its platforms to take UAE’s T20 League to audiences in India and across the globe.”
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary, ECB, said, “ECB wishes both UAE’s T20 League and ZEE well for entering into this partnership. We recognize and appreciate the massive reach of ZEE’s channels and their Digital media platform which will benefit the League in terms of viewership. The tournament will also provide a valuable platform for Emirates Cricket to develop the local talent and to provide players the opportunity to train and play alongside the world’s best.”