Following the collapse of its merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) is discreetly bolstering its sports content portfolio. In a strategic maneuver, SPNI has obtained exclusive broadcasting and streaming rights for all New Zealand Cricket (NZC) home series in India and related territories for the next seven years. This includes coverage of both men’s (Blackcaps) and women’s (White Ferns) matches, marking a significant move to enhance its sports offerings.
The Deal of SPNI with NZC:
Commencing from May 1, 2024, and extending until April 30, 2031, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) secures exclusive broadcast and streaming rights for all New Zealand Cricket (NZC) home series in India and associated territories. Previously, Amazon Prime held the broadcast rights for airing New Zealand matches in India. However, their agreement is scheduled to terminate during the upcoming summer.
Under the fresh agreement, Sony Sports channels will broadcast all international matches held in New Zealand. Additionally, viewers can access live streaming of the games via the SonyLiv app. For the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, Amazon Prime will collaborate with Sony Pictures, sharing digital streaming rights. This arrangement marks a significant expansion of Sony’s sports content offerings, enhancing accessibility for cricket enthusiasts across television and digital platforms.
Statement of NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink:
Following the agreement, NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his delight in an official statement, highlighting his satisfaction with the partnership. Weenink conveyed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the exposure and accessibility of New Zealand cricket matches to audiences in India and associated territories.
He said, “ Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative, and forward-focussed business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world. It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be – values NZC relates to very strongly.”
Statement of SPN Official:
Rajesh Kaul, Revenue Officer at Sony Pictures Network India, expressed anticipation for broadcasting exciting cricket in India following the agreement. He emphasized their eagerness to showcase high-quality cricket content to audiences, underscoring the significance of the deal in bolstering Sony’s sports broadcasting portfolio and delivering compelling cricketing experiences to fans across the country.
He said, “ We’re looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven-year partnership, including three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, in 2024-25, as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men’s team in 2026-27 and 2030-31, respectively.”
He also said, “ Our constant endeavor has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio, making us a global multi-sporting arena for audiences in India.”
The Upcoming Fixtures:
Sony Pictures Network in India will provide live telecast and streaming for Team India’s tours to New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 seasons. Meanwhile, New Zealand is gearing up to tour Pakistan for a five-match T20I series scheduled from April 18 to April 27. Earlier in January, the Blackcaps hosted Pakistan for a T20I series, triumphing with a commanding 4-1 margin.
Looking ahead, in June, New Zealand will participate in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 held in the West Indies and the US. Assigned to Group C, they will compete against teams like West Indies, Afghanistan, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in the tournament. This diverse lineup promises exciting cricketing action as New Zealand aims to make its mark on the global stage once again.
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