Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured an exclusive eight-year broadcast deal with the Asian Cricket Council for a range of prestigious cricket tournaments. This comprehensive agreement includes the Men’s and Women’s Asia Cups, Men’s and Women’s Under-19 Asia Cups, and the Men’s and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cups.
The deal, which was finalized following a competitive bidding process, represents a significant 70% increase in the rights value, although the exact bid amount has not been disclosed by the ACC. According to reports from various Indian media sources, the contract is estimated to be worth around $170 million.
The substantial rise in rights value is expected to provide the ACC with additional resources to invest in grassroots programs, infrastructure development, and talent pathways, particularly benefiting associate nations within the region.
Gaurav Banerjee, MD & CEO of SPNI, expressed his excitement about the partnership, commending the ACC for its fair and transparent bidding process. He highlighted the anticipation of bringing thrilling cricket action, including matches featuring cricket giants India and Pakistan, to viewers over the next eight years.
While Sony had previously explored opportunities to expand its television and streaming businesses in India through a potential merger with Zee Entertainment Enterprises, the deal fell through earlier this year after lengthy negotiations. This setback has prompted mid-sized TV operators in India to seek alternative avenues for growth.
Cricket rights continue to be a coveted asset for broadcasters and streaming platforms in India, given the sport’s immense popularity and ability to attract large audiences, advertisers, and subscribers. Concerns have been raised by India’s anti-monopolies regulator regarding the consolidation of cricket rights among major players like Reliance Industries (Viacom18, Jio) and Disney. Despite these concerns, the regulator approved the merger between Jio and Disney, who did not participate in the bidding process for the ACC rights.
Earlier this year, SPNI also secured the TV and digital rights for all men’s and women’s cricket matches in New Zealand for the next seven years. This agreement covers India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 seasons, as well as bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the specified period. Fans can catch all the action on SPNI’s sports channels and SonyLIV streaming platform.
