Dubai 27 Aug : Indian media conglomerate Disney Star expressed delight over the decision to keep ICC Media Rights in India for four years, stating they look at strengthening their relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the years to come.The ICC on Saturday evening announced that Disney Star will be the home of all ICC cricket matches in India in the coming four years, following it secured the digital and TV rights of both women’s and male’s global tournaments until the year end of 2027.
Disney Star had been owning the ICC media rights for the 2015-23 season that is widely regarded in markets as being the second-highest-paying rights in cricket, after IPL.
“We are thrilled to be allowed to continue our relationship with the International Cricket Council (ICC).With the new agreement for four years, Disney Star has retained exclusive broadcast and TV rights for women’s and male’s events until 2027.We look forward to expanding our relationship with ICC in the years to come,” said K.Madhavan Country Manager and President of Disney Star.
“Disney Star has played a key role over the past seven years in making ICC events into one of the biggest sporting events in India and widened the viewers of the brand across different regions and demographics in the country.”
“The extension of the ICC rights is a further addition to our existing portfolio of cricket properties that include the rights to broadcast television for the IPL (2023-27) and digital rights for Cricket Australia (2024-31), BCCI broadcast rights until 2024 and Cricket South Africa (end of the 2023-24 season) and strengthens our reputation as the most sought-after destination for the top sports activities in this country.” Madhavan added.
Prior to that, in June, Disney Star had secured the Indian Premier League (IPL) TV rights worth INR 23,575 crore (which amounts to INR 57.5 crore per match).Although it was unable to compete with Viacom18 in the race for IPL digital rights, acquiring both digital and TV rights to ICC games in India is a major benefit for Disney Star.
“In the midst of cricket, we provide Pro Kabbadi League, Indian Super League (ISL) and numerous international rights, such as the Wimbledon Championships and the English Premier League.Our extensive collection of over 70 TV channels in India encompasses general entertainment films as well as sports, infotainment children’s content, and lifestyle which covers 90 percent of satellite and pay cable homes in the region.”
“In addition to providing sports programming, we’re also determined to expand our selection of original entertainment programming to Disney+ Hotstar and our television channels in the region.Disney+ Hotstar has changed the ways Indians enjoy their entertainment, from their favourite local TV shows to blockbuster international films and sporting events that are popular.”
“Last year, Disney+ Hotstar was the home of seven of the Top Ten Hindi SVOD entertainment series in India and currently, we have over 100 original local titles in our pipeline of content – with more than 80 local originals set to debut this calendar year.” Madhavan concluded his.
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