SONY Increases Footprint In Asian Sport Broadcasting

Hyderabad: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has acquired the exclusive global media rights for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), with the exception of terrestrial, digital and radio rights for the territory of Sri Lanka which has been retained by SLC, for a period of three years starting July 1st, 2020.

The agreement provides SPN exclusive TV and digital rights to air all 92 days of LIVE cricket comprising 10 Test Matches, 24 ODIs and 18 T20Is sanctioned by the ICC and conducted by SLC between the senior men’s national cricket team of Sri Lanka and visiting ICC member national cricket teams along with access to Sri Lanka Cricket’s archival content.

The deal also includes rights to broadcast India touring Sri Lanka to play six T20Is and theee ODIs with one of the series scheduled for July 2021 that will feature three T20Is while the date for the other series is yet to be announced.
Sri Lanka Cricket is home to some of the best cricketers in the world such as Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera to name a few and the current Sri Lankan cricket team is ranked in the top-five in the world as per ICC Test rankings.

With the acquisition of Sri Lanka Cricket, SPN now holds broadcast rights of England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Australia and Cricket Ireland and has over 375 days of International, Big Bash T20 league, England Domestic Live cricket till FY 2022-23 which includes 31 days of India cricket.

Sony Pictures Networks India’s head of sports business Rajesh Kaul said the acquisition strengthens Sony’s sports portfolio. “Sony Pictures Networks India is the premier destination for the best of international cricket, and we are excited about continuing our partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket. The acquisition of the exclusive global TV and digital rights of Sri Lanka Cricket strengthens our cricket portfolio. Our extended partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket adds 92 days of live cricket, including two India tours to Sri Lanka, to our robust cricket calendar,” said Sony Pictures Networks India’s head of sports business Rajesh Kaul.

The President of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva said he was delighted to ink a deal with a broadcasting leader. “Sri Lanka Cricket is delighted to partner with Sony Pictures Networks India and continue the long-standing relationship, which has given immense benefits to both parties. Sri Lanka Cricket is truly excited and looking forward to continue working with Sony Pictures Networks India on the future tour program,” Silva said.

This article first appeared in the NFA Post and is republished with permission.