Sony Pictures Networks (India) announce extending broadcast deal with ECB till 2028

Sony Pictures Networks India has extended their contract with England and Wales Cricket Board for six more years. With that, SPN will now have the official television and digital rights to broadcast England’s cricket matches in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and the Maldives.

After missing out on the media rights of the Indian Premier League, Sony Pictures Networks wanted to bag rights of as many International teams as possible. With that goal in mind, Sony managed to get England on board till 2028. Now that the deal is completed, Sony will now be broadcasting all the matches of England men’s and women’s teams. Not just that, Sony now has the official rights to broadcast the County Championship, Vitality T20 blast, and Royal London One-Day Cup in the subcontinent.

“We’re delighted to extend this partnership for another six years, broadcasting England men’s and women’s home international cricket to a passionate global audience. This partnership also enables us to bring the men’s county game to the biggest cricket audience in the world”, said Clare Connor, Interim CEO, ECB as quoted by News18.

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution, and Head of Sony, was delighted with the extension. He informed us that India will at least play 21 matches in the next six years, and everyone will be able to enjoy that on Sony.

He said, “We, at Sony Pictures Networks India, are happy to extend our long-standing partnership with the England and Wales Cricket Board. The English cricket team is amongst the most formidable in the world, and we look forward to broadcasting high-quality cricket played in England during primetime viewing hours, including the 21 matches featuring India between 2023 to 2028.”

Disney Star bagged Cricket Australia broadcast deal

Disney Star won the right to broadcast Australian cricket for the next seven years. Sony Pictures Limited previously had the rights but Disney Star struck a deal with Cricket Australia. The deal will commence from the year 2023-24 when Disney Star will not only have the rights to broadcast the International games but all the matches of the men’s and women’s Big Bash League. 

“We are delighted to announce this new association with Disney Star from season 2023/24 onwards,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement. “Disney Star is synonymous with the game in India and we look forward to working with them to showcase the outstanding cricket played in Australia every summer,” he added.