CA announce new Indian TV rights deal

Sony has acquired the rights to broadcast all men's and women's international cricket played in Australia into India and the subcontinent on a six-year deal, Cricket Australia announced today.

The agreement sees Sony acquire exclusive rights to broadcast the upcoming Magellan Ashes series, the 2021-22 Ashes as well as multiple Indian tours into countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

They've also picked up the rights to the Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes Series as well the KFC Big Bash League and the Rebel Women's Big Bash League.

Sony, who take over from Star India as the television broadcaster of Australian cricket into the subcontinent, will deliver the matches via their 11-channel sports network.

"We are delighted to conclude this agreement with Sony," Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said. "They understand the global value of Australian cricket.

"We're also delighted with their support of our national women's team, and the men's and women's Big Bash. Our summer of Big Bash will continue to expand and highlight the excitement and quality of our game.

"One of Australian cricket's key strategies is to ensure it has a sustainable approach to investment, so that we can keep growing the game, and the six-year deal with Sony is part of that strategy."

Cricket Australia's Executive General Manager of Broadcasting, Digital Media and Commercial Ben Amarfio said the shift would be a boost for Indian cricket fans in particular.

"We hope that cricket fans throughout this region will thoroughly enjoy seeing Australian cricket, particularly what has become one of the fiercest rivalries in world cricket – Australia v India," Amarfio said.

"We will have numerous tours by India over the next few years, along with Australia playing against other subcontinental cricket teams."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21