Cricket South Africa has granted ARY Digital Network exclusive broadcasting rights for all home international matches until 2027, with coverage on A Sports, coinciding with Pakistan’s upcoming tour of South Africa in December and January. This move aims to enhance viewership and expand commercial opportunities in Pakistan, in collaboration with IMG, which has a long-standing relationship with CSA.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a strategic partnership with ARY Digital Network, granting them exclusive broadcasting rights for all home international cricket matches until 2027. This agreement ensures that all international fixtures hosted by CSA will be showcased on ARY’s premier sports channel, A Sports. The channel will offer comprehensive coverage, including live broadcasts, detailed analysis, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, marking a significant enhancement in the viewing experience for Pakistani cricket fans. As part of the deal, Pakistan’s national team is set to tour South Africa to compete in a total of eight matches, comprised of two Test matches and six limited-overs fixtures, scheduled for December and January. Notably, Pakistan currently stands fourth in terms of cricket streaming viewership in South Africa, comprising 9.1% of the total global audience. This agreement, facilitated by the renowned sports marketing agency IMG, follows CSA’s recent collaboration with Foxtel Group in Australia for broadcasting both men’s and women’s international matches. IMG has a longstanding relationship with CSA, having managed their international media rights for over three decades. Rathindra Basu, Vice President for India & South Asia and pan regional sales for IMG’s media division, remarked on the occasion: “Pakistan is one of the world’s most passionate cricketing nations. Together with CSA, we’re continuing to deliver increased commercial opportunities for the sport and grow the Proteas’ audience worldwide.” In addition to securing broadcasting rights for international matches, ARY Digital Network has also obtained domestic media rights to all Pakistan home international matches leading through December 2026. Furthermore, CSA has recently announced a partnership with Dafabet, an online betting brand, as the new shirt sponsor for its national teams.
This announcement regarding broadcasting rights is significant for both Cricket South Africa and ARY Digital Network as it enhances the accessibility of cricket to Pakistani viewers. The partnership aligns with CSA’s broader strategy to expand its audience through international agreements, reflecting the growing interest in cricket in South Africa and Pakistan. The involvement of IMG adds to the credibility of the partnership, given their extensive experience in managing sports media rights globally.
In conclusion, the exclusive broadcasting rights deal between Cricket South Africa and ARY Digital Network until 2027 represents a substantial advancement in international cricket broadcasting. With ARY’s commitment to promoting the sport through comprehensive coverage and CSA’s efforts to expand its audience, this partnership promises to benefit cricket fans in Pakistan while also enhancing CSA’s global reach. The upcoming series where Pakistan’s team will tour South Africa will be a notable highlight in this collaboration.
Original Source: www.sportcal.com
