Colombo: State-owned Independent Television Network (ITN) have bagged Lanka Premier League (LPL) broadcasting rights for Sri Lanka while global sports broadcasting giant Sky Sports have won the rights for UK and Geo and PTV have won the telecast rights in Pakistan.
The LPL is scheduled to kick-off from 26th November till December 16, 2020 at Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium (MRIC) in Hambantota.
Five franchisee teams, named after Colombo,
Kandy, Galle, Dambulla and Jaffna, will compete in 23 matches over a 15-day period for the title.
Colombo will take on Kandy in the opening match and the final will be played on December 16, 2020.
A galaxy of global stars which includes Chris Gayle, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik,
Samit Patel, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Irfan Pathan and many more will be taking part in the 15-day extravaganza.
Talking about the partnership, ITN Chairman Mr Sudath Rohana said, “Sport has reach like few others and an immense power to bring positive social change through the actions and words of its athletes. Cricket is the sport Sri Lanka can associate itself with, and the game that can bring in that kind of change in the Island Nation. It gives me an immense sense of satisfaction to partner LPL and be part of this social change that will go a long way in helping the nation grow through cricket.”
Sky Sports, Director of Cricket, Mr Bryan Henderson added, “Sky Sports are delighted to be broadcasting the Lanka Premier League this year as the appetite for T20 cricket grows across the globe. Sri Lankans have always played an exciting brand of limited overs cricket and we look forward to seeing more talent emerge from this tournament as well as following many other stars from around the world.”
“It’s indeed a pleasure to be associated with Lankan Premier League as broadcast partners. I believe, the show has to go on despite the challenges we face due to Covid-19 pandemic. I congratulate all the stakeholders and IPG Group for providing us the opportunity of becoming part of a fantastic event. We shall give our best to contribute in its success,” said Dr Nauman Niaz, head of PTV Sports.
“On behalf of Blitz Advertising (Pvt.) Ltd., the media marketing rights holders for Pakistan territory and its partner channels, PTV Sports and Geo Super, wish all the best to Lanka Premier League and IPG for staying put and organizing the event in these challenging times. We are very glad in partnering with LPL and IPG and hopeful that the beautiful Island Nation and the star players will deliver a truly exciting and memorable experience to all the cricket enthusiasts all across Pakistan,” added Group CEO Ahsen Idris.
SLC VP and LPL Tournament Director Mr Ravin Wickramaratne said, “LPL’s broadcasting partner’s—Sky, Sony, Geo and PTV—global reach will help the League grow in stature and will help the League connect with millions of fans across the globe.”
CEO of IPG, the Dubai-based promoters of LPL, Mr Anil Mohan said, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome our broadcast partners—Sky, Sony, Geo and PTV—on board of this prestigious event and I can confidently say that their association is a great testament to the brand LPL.”