Sony Network wins England telecast rights for Indian subcontinent

Sony Pictures Network India (SPN) has acquired the exclusive media rights for all television broadcasts related to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in the Indian subcontinent. As per the new media rights deal, SPN can both televise and digitally broadcast within the Indian subcontinent upwards of 80 men’s and women’s international matches played in England.

Apart from India, real-time and live match viewership will be available in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The agreement for the region covers live TV coverage of England’s home Tests, ODIs and T20Is and women’s international matches. This includes the Indian cricket team’s full tour of England this July comprising of five tests, three ODIs, and two T20Is.

India tour of England to be covered by Sony

“The acquisition of media rights of ECB for a five-year term, effective now through 2022, provides for some exciting cricket viewership. Cricket is a passion for most Indians and this term of ECB games includes three tours of the Indian cricket team which promises some thrilling cricket, the first of these coming close on the heels of the hugely exciting South Africa series,” said NP Singh, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPN, as reported by TOI.

“SPN will now be home to almost all international away series giving our fans a one-stop destination to view their favourite stars in action. We remain committed to building a multi-sports culture in India and we will lead sports broadcast action from June to September 2018 by airing FIFA for football fans and ECB games for cricket lovers.”

Tom Harrison, the ECB’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “Today’s announcement means millions of cricket fans across the Indian subcontinent can follow their favourite team in action the next time they tour England – as well as enjoying access to iconic cricketing contests like next year’s Ashes. It will also help further raise the global profile of the English game – giving both the England men’s and women’s teams valuable exposure in a part of the world where people are passionate about cricket and avid followers of the global game as well as their own national team.”

While many welcomed this development, others remain skeptical of it because they were disappointed with the network’s broadcasting during India’s Tour to South Africa, calling it extremely commercial, unprofessional and disruptive. It remains to be seen if they are willing to take the viewer’s criticism into consideration and change their way of working in this regard.