Neo Sports Secures New Zealand Cricket Rights Until 2020

Neo Sports Broadcast has acquired the broadcast rights to showcase all domestic and international cricket played in New Zealand until 2020.

The seven-year deal includes 261 days of live cricket including 18 T20s, 63 ODIs and 36 Tests and includes rights for all of Asia excluding Middle East.

The broadcast rights for New Zealand were earlier held by Multi Screen Media (formerly Sony Entertainment Television). However, the broadcaster was only willing to renew the property at a favourable price.

Pitch International, New Zealand Cricket’s exclusive international broadcast and sponsorship agents, managed the sales process.

Neo had recently secured the broadcast rights for the Asia Cup. This deal ensures a consistent presence of cricket on the Neo network for the rest of the decade.

The seven year rights cycle will involve two India tours in 2014 and 2019. It also includes a Trans-Tasman rivalry double header with Australia in 2016 and 2018 and England being hosted thrice in 2013, 2018 and 2020.

New Zealand Cricket CEO David White said: “Neo are market leaders in cricket broadcasting in the Indian sub-continent and we are delighted to have established a direct relationship with them for the next seven years.”

Neo Sports Broadcast COO Prasana Krishnan added: “We are thrilled to partner with New Zealand Cricket and to have the opportunity to showcase New Zealand Cricket on our channels for the next 7 years. New Zealand has been the venue for some stellar cricket and memorable performances and we look forward to showcasing more of these in the years to come.”