Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has extended its association with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) as its television and digital broadcaster till 2028.
SPN will broadcast cricket tournaments played in England and Wales across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Maldives.
This broadcasting deal will include a men’s five-match Test and a women's series between England and India.
Apart from international cricket, Sony Sports can telecast domestic competitions in England too.
Clare Connor, interim CEO, England and Wales Cricket Board, said, “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. After the thrilling conclusion of the England v India Men’s Test series last month, there is so much fantastic cricket to look forward to over the coming years, including the women’s series between England and India next month. I am sure fans will continue to be entertained and enthralled by the contests between our two countries.”
NP Singh, managing director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, "SPN has had an outstanding association with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), that has enabled us to bring premiere sporting content to our viewers who enjoy cricket. The extension of the broadcast partnership is a testament to our strong portfolio of sports content in the country, which we have successfully built and nurtured over the years. This association is an opportunity to bring to the Indian audience an unparalleled viewing experience across the Sony Sports Network and our digital platform SonyLIV. This partnership will only bolster our endeavour further.”
Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer, distribution and head – sports business, Sony Pictures Networks, 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. In addition to this, Team England has elevated global interest in their new brand of test cricket led by their captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. The England-India rivalry has always been an exciting proposition for cricket fans around the world and our viewers can look forward to some thrilling cricket action until 2028.”