Although Lanka Premier League (LPL) is going under several setbacks which has threatened the cancellation of the league, it has bagged the broadcasting deal. Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India has got the exclusive pay television & IPTV broadcast rights for LPL 2020 in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan & Maldives and non-exclusive FTA rights for the same countries excluding Sri Lanka.
Geo and PTV have won the telecast rights in Pakistan. Global sports broadcasting giant Sky Sports have won the rights for the UK while state-owned Independent Television Network (ITN) has won the rights to telecast matches in Sri Lanka.
Talking about the partnership, Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head — Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, in a statement, said: “We share a long-standing relationship with the Sri Lanka Cricket board and as the rights holders of Sri Lanka Cricket, this is a natural extension. There is never enough cricket for India and the Lanka Premier League is a good brand of cricket that is set to feature many sub-continent players making it a very attractive addition to our cricket portfolio.
“Sony Pictures Networks India is the premier destination for the best of international cricket and for us, it is not just about broadcasting an event but it’s about bringing people closer to the game. We are extremely happy to say that with Lanka Premier League we will be bringing that brand of cricket for our audience in India.”
Sky Sports, Director of Cricket, Bryan Henderson stated, “Sky Sports are delighted to be broadcasting the Lanka Premier League this year as the appetite for T20 cricket grows across the globe. Sri Lankans have always played an exciting brand of limited-overs cricket and we look forward to seeing more talent emerge from this tournament as well as following many other stars from around the world.”
LPL 2020 to begin from November 26:
More and more troubles are brewing in the inauguration edition of LPL. Sohail Tanvir and Ravinderpal Singh, who was set to feature in the league, have tested positive for the coronavirus. In contrast, Chris Gayle, Lasith Malinga, Sarfaraz Khan and some other players have withdrawn from the league due to their respective personal reasons.
LPL 2020 will span for 21 days during which 23 Matches, including eight double-headers, will be played. A total of five teams will feature. Colombo Kings and Kandy Tusker will play the season opener on November 26 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The grand finale will be played on December 16.