Sony Pictures has signed a seven-year deal with NZC to broadcast all international games in India.
Sony Pictures clinches Broadcast rights for NZ matches in India
Sony Pictures in India has clinched the rights to broadcast all NZC’s international games in the country for seven years. Currently, New Zealand’s international matches have been broadcast through Amazon Prime in India whose deal ends this summer.
The Indian men’s team is set to tour New Zealand in 2026-27 and 2030-31, thereby making a lucrative acquisition for Sony Pictures.
The deal will be effective from 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2031, and will also be streamed on SPNI’s streaming platform Sony LIV.
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his happiness on this deal saying, “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”, said Mr Weenink.
“Sony has a large presence in the Indian market on both linear and digital platforms and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. It’s been a great experience working with the SPNI team while finalizing these arrangements.”.
New Zealand Cricket has a potential following in India. While the bids for Streaming rights were online, Sony Pictures in India’s Revenue Officer Distribution and International Business and Head of Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul revealed the delight over the seven-year deal that has been signed with NZC.
“Our constant endeavor has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio, making us a global multi-sporting arena for audiences in India,” said Mr Kaul.
“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.”
Sony Pictures will share the digital rights for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons with Amazon Prime. Meanwhile, the Blackcaps will be playing a five-match T20I series on New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan which is set to begin next month.
Earlier in January, they played a T20I series on Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand where the hosts clinched the series win 4-1. After their Pakistan tour, they will be playing in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 which is set to be played in the USA and West Indies.
