Reports: ECB sell UAE T20 League media rights to Zee Network for USD 120 million

In what can be called a major development, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have sold the 10-year media rights for their upcoming UAE T20 League to Essel Group-owned Zee Network. The deal has been made for a staggering USD 120 million. It has to be noted that Zee Network and Sony Pictures Network – two of India’s major TV networks – are expected to merge soon.

Hence, the T20 tournament would also be telecasted on Sony Sports channels. As per reports, the deal was signed just about a week back and President Rahul Johri, the former CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was a chief negotiator on behalf of Zee. He had joined the broadcasting firm last year as president – Business, South Asia.

UAE T20 League will be a highly competitive tournament: UAE T20 League

As per a report in Cricbuzz, Johri signed the deal after negotiations with Khalid Al Zarooni, vice-chairman of the ECB and the chairman of the league. While Johri didn’t want to comment on the pact, an Essel Group official explained the dynamics of the tournament. “Given that most players will be internationals, it will be a highly competitive tournament,” the official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

As Zee has investments in the Middle East as well, the broadcasting body’s interest UAE T20 League may have been more than its contemporaries. Notably, Zee will have a presence in Pakistan after merging with Sony as Ten Sports broadcast live matches in the nation.

For the unversed, UAE T20 League will be a six-team affair which would also see Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises like Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders in action. Big Bash League’s Sydney Sixers, Glazer family of Manchester United and Dubai-based Capri Global are the other teams in the competition, which is scheduled to take place in February-March next year.

It must be noted that the Emirates Cricket Board will allow the franchises to field as many as 10 overseas players in the playing XI. Hence, the competition promises a lot and it would be interesting to see how it pans out.