ESPN clinches syndication deals for ICC events in three markets

ESPN is partnering with three major broadcasters to make International Cricket Council (ICC) events available to cricket fans across Pakistan, Canada and the USA, starting from 2009 and extending until 2011. Under these agreements, Pakistan Television Network (PTV)  has acquired the terrestrial television rights for the ICC events while Canada's ATN and Willow TV, (a portal for live internet streaming of international cricket events) have acquired multi-platform rights for television, internet and mobile to showcase all ICC events to include events such as the ICC Champions Trophy 2009, ICC Women's World Cup 2009, ICC World Twenty20 2009 and 2010, the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup 2010 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in South Asia.

Manu Sawhney, managing director, ESPN STAR Sports, said "These are some very significant distribution partnerships for the ICC events and we are delighted to cement our relationship with PTV, ATN and Willow TV. The sport's popularity continues to grow at an immense rate across the globe, and we look forward to working closely with them to serve cricket fans."

Haroon Lorgat, ICC chief executive officer, said, "This is good news for cricket. The ICC is delighted to have such a strong and committed partner in ESPN STAR Sports and it's great to know that cricket fans in Canada, the US and Pakistan will be so well served by these deals. We are confident that the game will greatly benefit from these partnerships and fans across the globe will continue to enjoy the highest quality of production and presentation."

ESPN STAR Sports bagged the exclusive global telecast and marketing rights from the ICC in 2006 for all their events from 2007 to 2015.