Sony Pictures Networks India bags broadcast rights for India’s tour of Ireland

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced that it has acquired the exclusive media rights to telecast the 2018 India Tour of Ireland that comprises two T20Is to be played on June 27 and June 29, 2018, in Malahide, Ireland.

The matches will be broadcasted at 8:30 PM IST with English commentary on SONY SIX channels and Hindi commentary on SONY TEN 3 channels. Live coverage of the matches will begin with the sports network’s flagship studio show, Extraaa Innings, with a pre-match (7:30 PM), mid-match (10:00 PM) and post-match (12:15 AM) segments on sboth match days. The panel for Ireland hosts an impressive line-up of experts that includes Sunil Gavaskar, Ajay Jadeja, Alan Wilkins, Niall O'Brien, Deep Dasgupta, Murali Kartik, John Kenny and Anjum Chopra.

SPN’s cricket portfolio comprises seven major international cricket boards – Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board, Pakistan Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, Cricket South Africa, Cricket West Indies and Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

Rajesh Kaul, president, distribution and sports business, Sony Pictures Network India, says in a press release, “Cricket is the most widely followed and watched sport in the Indian subcontinent and our commitment at SPN is to provide our audiences the best viewership experience of this well-loved sport. With broadcast rights of seven major international cricket boards, the sports cluster of SPN is now the premier destination for international bilateral series. The India vs Ireland series is the perfect way to start the international cricket season.”

Warren Deutrom, CEO, Cricket Ireland, says in a press release, “Cricket Ireland is pleased with today’s announcement regarding broadcasting of this series. Our recent debut Test match created unprecedented global interest in Irish cricket, and now, with this deal, millions of cricket fans will be able follow our team and be involved in this high-profile T20I series. Irish cricket has entered a new era and through broadcast partnerships like this we can continue to grow the game in Ireland and our fan base around the world.”