Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India has bagged the exclusive media rights for all men’s international matches played in Australia. The network's media rights extend to exclusive TV and digital broadcast across the Indian Sub-continent.
The deal kicks off with the Ashes Series in November 2017. The term of the deal is six years and will cover India's tour to Australia next year.
SPN has also acquired the media rights for women’s international cricket played in Australia, beginning with the Commonwealth Bank Ashes later this month. It will also broadcast the Big Bash League for Men and Women.
The agreement for the Indian subcontinent includes Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “SPN is committed to redefining the sports broadcasting landscape in the Indian subcontinent by curating a multi-sport culture. Our sports network comprising of 11 channels will offer something for everyone. Cricket enjoys a high viewership in India and with the acquisition of the media rights of Cricket Australia, we are ensuring that the viewer has continuous cricketing action, all through the year.”
James Sutherland, CEO, Cricket Australia, said, "We are delighted to conclude this agreement with Sony. They understand the global value of Australian cricket. We’re also delighted with their support of our national women’s team, and the men’s and women’s Big Bash. Our summer of Big Bash will continue to expand and highlight the excitement and quality of our game. One of Australian cricket’s key strategies is to ensure it has a sustainable approach to investment, so that we can keep growing the game, and the six-year deal with SPN is part of that strategy.”
Rajesh Kaul, president, sports and distribution business, Sony Pictures Networks India, added, "Cricket Australia complements our existing portfolio of five International Cricket Boards further positioning us as the premier destination for the sport. The content line-up across the six boards strengthens our position in cricket broadcasting. Cricket fans can look forward to a full season of cricketing sporting action on our network.”
Ben Amarflo, executive GM - broadcasting, digital media and commercial, Cricket Australia, said, "CA’s media rights and broadcasting team is thrilled to have inked a deal with Sony as the new media rights partner for the subcontinent region, taking in key markets such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan over the next six years. We hope that cricket fans throughout this region will thoroughly enjoy seeing Australian cricket, particularly what has become probably the fiercest rivalry in world cricket – Australia v India. We will have numerous tours by India over the next few years, along with Australia playing against other subcontinental cricket teams.”
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