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ZEE signs media rights with Emirates Cricket Board for UAE T20 League

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Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) have signed a long-term contract with Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE) for the upcoming UAE T20 League.


As part of the ten-year deal, ZEE will broadcast the League across its ten channels besides live streaming it on ZEE5.


According to a report published in the Economic Times, the deal, which is estimated to be signed for $100-120 million, will mark ZEE's re-entry into sports broadcasting five years after signing a non-compete clause with Sony Pictures Network.


Earlier this year, ZEE and SPN signed agreements to merge operations. Speaking on the development, Khalid Al Zaroobi, the chairman of the UAE T20 League, said:


"Nothing can be more satisfying than to have a credible broadcast partner like ZEE associated with the League. I am thankful to both Punit Goenka and Rahul Johri for having faith in this League and to grow into a commercially successful enterprise. It is further a matter of delight that ZEE has decided to re-enter sports broadcast with UAE's T20 League being the first media rights acquisition. We are very confident that ZEE has the strength of viewership to take our League to unmatched levels."


The UAE T20 League will comprise six teams owned by Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, GMR group, Capri Global, Lancer Capital & Adani Sportsline.


Rahul Johri, the president of ZEE South Asia Business said:


"We are delighted to be the official global media rights holder of UAE's T20 League. We believe that the League, which is already attracting the biggest cricket stars and team franchisees globally, will provide fantastic cricket and entertainment to viewers across the world,"


Mubashshir Usmani, the General Secretary of ECB, appreciated the benefits of tying up with a coveted platform like ZEE while stressing that the UAE T20 League will aim to groom local talents and provide them with an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best in the world.


"We recognise and appreciate the massive reach of ZEE's channels and their digital media platform which will benefit the League in terms of viewership," he said.


"The tournament will also provide a valuable platform for Emirates Cricket to develop the local talent and to provide players the opportunity to train and play alongside the world's best." he added.


Unlike the IPL or other T20 leagues, which allow only 4-5 overseas cricketers in a playing XI, the UAE T20 League is set to allow as many as eight foreign players to be a part of the starting XI.

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