Viacom18 picks up rights for South African T20 league for 10 years

The league will function six groups taking part in one another twice in a round-robin stage earlier than the semis and ultimate. In all, 33 matches shall be performed over 4 weeks beginning January 10, subsequent 12 months.

“We proceed to supply followers an immersive and interesting expertise by strengthening our sports activities portfolio with among the finest cricket motion via SA20,” stated Anil Jayaraj, CEO, Viacom18 Sports activities. “T20 is the most well-liked cricket format with Indian followers. The historical past and legacy of South Africa cricket and the recognition of South African cricketers in India make it an exciting proposition for cricket followers in India. We anticipate important viewership and fan engagement because the occasion shall be performed in prime-time.”

The league will function six groups – Joburg Tremendous Kings, Pretoria Capitals, Durban’s Tremendous Giants, Sunrisers Jap Cape, Paarl Royals and MI Cape City. All of the groups are owned by teams that additionally personal groups throughout numerous international leagues, together with the Indian Premier League.

“This long-term partnership between the SA20 and Viacom18 as our official Indian broadcaster is a catalyst that helps our ambitions to construct the world’s second greatest league,” stated Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner and former South Africa captain. “With six IPL homeowners increasing their manufacturers in South Africa, Viacom18 are the proper companion to take the SA20 into the properties of the passionate and cricket-loving Indian market.”

The inaugural SA20 public sale in September noticed over 100 gamers signed by the six groups. Groups might join a most of ten South Africans and 7 abroad cricketers of their squad. For each match, every crew shall be allowed to have as much as 4 abroad gamers within the XI. All groups have additionally opted to enroll one uncapped, younger participant.

The SA20 will see worldwide superstars like Quinton de Kock, Faf Du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Maheesh Theekshana, Jason Holder in motion.

“The advantages to home cricket shall be far-reaching with extra South African gamers uncovered to a world cricket viewers and a stimulus to construct a robust and sustainable cricket ecosystem. As SA20, we stay up for working with the dynamic crew at Viacom18 to construct a world-class league,” Smith added.

ET first reported that JioCinema shall be Viacom18’s streaming platform for all sports activities, together with FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The SA20 is the second massive cricket rights the corporate has secured after choosing up the digital rights for the IPL for 5 years. It additionally has rights for the NBA, Diamond League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and high ATP and BWF occasions.