- First ever broadcast of Major ICC Cricket tournament on TV in the United States
- All 35 matches of men's tournament to air live on the Willow cricket channel
- Every match also streamed live on Willow's TV Everywhere service
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Feb. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Willow TV International is planning the most comprehensive multi-platform coverage ever in the United States of the International Cricket Council (ICC) events, starting with the ICC World Twenty20 when the 2016 tournament kicks off in India on March 8. All 35 matches from the men's tournament and 11 matches from the women's tournament will be televised live on the Willow cricket channel in high definition between March 8 and April 3, 2016.
This is the first time a U.S. television network will broadcast the entire tournament live, highlighting cricket's growing popularity in the country. With marquee matchups throughout the tournament, Willow's broadcast of the tournament is expected to attract unprecedented television audiences for cricket in the United States.
The ICC World Twenty20 is the world's premier Twenty20 cricket tournament. This is the sixth edition of the tournament, and the first to be hosted by India. This nation-versus-nation tournament is designed with a view to globalizing cricket by attracting new audiences and features an innovative format that integrates the men's and women's competitions. Sixteen men's teams and ten women's teams will compete across 8 venues in India, making this the biggest cricket tournament ever.
With Willow's TV Everywhere service, authenticated subscribers can also access all the exciting action from the tournament on their computers, tablets and smartphones.
"We are excited to provide unparalleled coverage of the ICC World Twenty20 live to sports fans in the United States," said Vijay Srinivasan, CEO of Willow TV International. "As one of the fastest growing sports networks in the US, it is our mission to bring the best international cricket live to American audiences. Previous tournaments of the stature of the ICC events have only been available as pay-per-view, so to have the entire tournaments live on our network is a significant milestone for cricket in the U.S."
Campbell Jamieson, ICC General Manager – Commercial, added: "The extensive coverage promised from Willow for the ICC World Twenty20 demonstrates the spirit and commitment of the partnership. ICC is looking forward to capitalizing on the growing popularity of cricket in the United States, supported by broadcast initiatives from Willow, to make cricket the World's Favorite Sport."
The ICC awarded its global audio-visual rights for ICC events from 2015-2023 to Star Middle East. "We are particularly excited to bring cricket home to American audiences in a supreme broadcasting format. This is a first for viewers in America and the partnership with Willow TV International is a significant long-term commitment towards the sport and engaging public interest in a targeted and sustainable manner. We are hoping cricket grips America by storm and fulfills the dream of a growing number of cricket fans who enjoy watching the game as much as they enjoy playing it," said a Star Middle East spokesperson.
Future ICC events scheduled for coverage by Willow include the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup, the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, the 2018 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the 2018 ICC Women's World Twenty20 and the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The Willow cricket channel is available on the leading satellite, cable, IPTV and over-the-top internet video platforms across the United States.
About Willow
Willow TV International, Inc. is the premier broadcaster of cricket in the U.S. Willow distributes a high definition linear television channel dedicated exclusively to cricket in the U.S., and provides television and digital production services to its global partners. Willow is an Official Broadcast Partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and several major international cricket boards and leagues.
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SOURCE Willow TV International, Inc.
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