Sony Sports Network has won the rights to televise India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, bringing yet another big cricket property to its portfolio. The rights were acquired by ITW Universe, who has the global rights for the series, after talks with other broadcasters JioStar and Zee Unite8.
The three T20Is are set to be played in the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on September 13, 15 and 17. The series is being hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially approved the schedule.
Sony wins television broadcasting rights
Several major broadcasters put in bids for the TV rights, and Sony Sports Network won the rights. The deal will allow the viewers to watch the India-Afghanistan T20I series on the television network of Sony.
The three matches are still under FanCode digital rights. Both television and digital platforms have been confirmed and the broadcasters and production partners can start preparing for the much awaited series in New Delhi.
ACB asked to move one match to September 14
In addition to the broadcasting rights, the ACB has had a request to review the current schedule and reschedule one of the three matches for September 14. The date falls on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the biggest festivals in India, and the idea is to give a new meaning to the bilateral series.
Bhairav Shanth, founder of ITW Universe, has officially written to ACB CEO Naseeb Khan for the change. September 11, 13 and 14 were recommended, or September 13, 14 and September 16 or 17.
Request aimed at strengthening cricketing ties
The proposed change would only involve a slight adjustment to the existing schedule and make one of the matches fall on Ganesh Chaturthi. Such a step, according to ITW Universe, could help the series to become more synonymous with Indian cricket fans.
Shanth said Ganesh Chaturthi is an important day that is linked to devotion, celebration, and new beginnings. He said that it would be a goodwill gesture to call a match during the festival and this would also help in building the rapport between the ACB and Indian cricket authorities.
Series set for New Delhi
The whole series will be played in Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The three games are likely to draw a lot of interest as India and Afghanistan build their cricketing relationship in the international arena.
The series is also another chance for the Afghan side to test itself against one of the top sides in international cricket. Meanwhile, India will have to maximise their advantage of the home ground as the two sides gear up for a thrilling T20I clash.
