Tag: Rajesh Kaul

Sony Sports Network reignites an exciting cricket rivalry with live telecast of India Tour of Sri Lanka

Mumbai: After a resounding win over Zimbabwe in their own backyard, Team India is set for another litmus test as they travel down south to face Sri Lanka for a limited-over series. The two sides will face each other across three T20Is in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo. The series, starting Saturday, 27 July 2024, will be broadcast LIVE on Sony Sports Network from 7:00 PM IST onwards.

World Champions India picked up where they left off in the recently concluded T20 World Cup to defeat Zimbabwe 4-1 in a T20I series. A new-look India travelled to Harare to prove their caliber as the country ushers in a new era of cricket, following the retirement of legendary players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket. Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli, however, will feature in the ODIs against the Lankans.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be looking to bank on their young talent to deliver on their home turf as they aim to restore the glory days of the past. Focus will be on key players including Matheesha Pathirana along with Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga who feature in the top 10 men’s ODI Batting and T20I all-rounder ICC rankings. Interestingly, the two sides will also have new head coaches at the helm when they face each other with Gautam Gambhir leading India for the first time and Sanath Jayasuriya taking the charge for Sri Lanka.

The age-old rivalry between the Men in Blue & the Lankan Lions has seen many twists & turns from the times of cricket greats like Rahul Dravid & Sachin Tendulkar for India & Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardena for Sri Lanka. It is time for the next generation of players including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Maheesh Theekshana & Matheesh Pathirana, to take the baton forward and write a new chapter in this rivalry.

As cricket gains pace on Sony Sports Network, with the broadcast of India Tour of Zimbabwe, Major League Cricket (MLC), West Indies Tour of England & Vitality T20 Blast, their flagship studio show Extraaa Innings returns with an exciting roster of English commentators including Robin Uthappa, Scott Styris, Saba Karim and Abhinav Mukund supported by Sri Lankan commentators Roshan Abeysinghe and Russell Arnold. The Hindi roster comprises Ashish Nehra, Ajay Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, Vivek Razdan and Aakash Chopra while the Tamil & Telugu panel will have Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, R. Sridhar, Anirudha Srikkantha, TR Arasu, Venkatapathy Raju, Ashish Reddy and Akshath Reddy respectively.

The broadcast of Sri Lanka vs India will be in prime time for Indian fans as they can enjoy watching their favorite cricketers in action live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels.

India Squad for T20Is:

Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

India Squad for ODIs:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

Sri Lanka Squad for T20Is:

Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

Comments:

Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

“The broadcast of India Tour of Sri Lanka solidifies Sony Sports Network’s position as a global multi-sports arena for audiences in India. These are exciting times for Indian cricket with the team’s recent T20 World Cup victory, the rise of new young players and the appointment of new head coach. India Tour of Sri Lanka comes at the perfect time for Indian fans who will be eager to watch the new-look team in action at prime time.”

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva:

“We are delighted to welcome India for a limited-over series for the first time since 2021. It will be exciting to see how the team performs under the new head coach. The two teams have a fair share of history between themselves, and it will be exciting to see some top-quality matches during the series, which will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.”

Watch the live coverage of India Tour of Sri Lanka from 27 July, 7:00 PM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1. Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil / Telugu) channels.

Match	Date	Time (IST)	Channel
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st T20i	27/07/24	19:00	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd T20i	28/07/24	19:00	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd T20i	30/07/24	19:00	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st ODI	02/08/24	14:30	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd ODI	04/08/24	14:30	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd ODI	07/08/24	14:30	Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

July 25, 2024

Collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market: Rajesh Kaul

Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has geared up to elevate the sports broadcasting experience in India with its role as the official broadcaster partner for the ongoing UEFA European Championship (Euros). For Sony Sports Network, this partnership represents more than just airing matches—it’s about delivering premium football content that resonates deeply with Indian audiences.

The network’s strategy includes enhancing the viewing experience with cutting-edge features such as high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary options, and interactive elements, ensuring every fan can enjoy the games to the fullest.

Beyond technical enhancements, Sony Sports Network is focused on fostering a vibrant community of football enthusiasts in India. By engaging directly with fans and creating compelling content around the Euros, the network aims to deepen connections and cultivate long-lasting viewer loyalty.

The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

Indiantelevision.com caught with SPNI’s Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul.

Edited excerpts

On the significance of Sony Sports Network being the official broadcasting partner for the Euros in India

The collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market, as Indian audiences now have access to top-tier European club football. Once we included regional language commentary in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Bengali it greatly enhanced viewership. The viewership impressions for UEFA EURO 2020 were more than triple those of the previous edition, reflecting the growing interest in international football in India.

Moreover, the involvement of prestigious brands such as State Bank of India, Honda Motorcycles, Pepsi, and Yamaha among others, in addition to the ones we are in the process of onboarding, further amplifies the event’s appeal and commercial viability in the Indian market.

Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan as the brand ambassador for football, aim to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. The integration of digital platforms like SonyLIV ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Overall, the collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA underscores the network’s commitment to enhancing the football viewing experience in India and fostering the sport’s growth by making it more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.

On Sony Sports Network enhancing the viewing experience through high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, and interactive features.

Sony Sports Network is dedicated to enhancing the viewing experience for football fans through a combination of high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, interactive features, and expert analysis. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Sony Sports Network ensures that all matches are broadcast in high-definition, providing viewers with a more immersive and engaging experience that captures every detail of the action on the pitch.

In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali. This approach not only makes the content accessible to a broader audience but also enhances viewer connection and engagement by delivering the game in their preferred language.

To further bring fans closer to UEFA Euro 2024, Sony Sports Network has assembled a robust group of expert panellists. This distinguished lineup includes former France captain Patrice Evra, former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood, and Mark Seagraves. The in-depth analysis provided by these experts on the Football Extraaa show during the tournament will significantly bolster the viewing experience, offering fans valuable insights and perspectives.

On the inspiration of “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign

The “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign was inspired by our desire to celebrate the grand scale and universal appeal of UEFA Euro 2024 in a way that resonates deeply with Indian football fans. Football is growing rapidly in India, and we wanted to create a campaign that captures the excitement, passion, and festivity associated with this major tournament. Our goal was to not only highlight the tournament’s importance but also to engage a wider audience and bring the vibrant football community in India together in anticipation of the event.

Kartik Aaryan was a natural choice as the brand ambassador for this campaign. His immense popularity, charismatic personality, and genuine love for sports make him an ideal figure to connect with our target audience. Kartik’s appeal spans across different age groups and regions, making him the perfect spokesperson to convey the excitement of UEFA Euro 2024.

In the campaign, Kartik dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

On sharing more details about the marketing strategy behind this campaign

“Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign aimed to maximize engagement, reach, and excitement for UEFA Euro 2024 among Indian football fans. Our strategy focused on tapping into various media channels, to create a ubiquitous presence, ensuring that the campaign reaches fans wherever they are. Recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, we are providing content in multiple regional languages, including advertisements, commentary, and interactive content in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali, to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

Kartik Aaryan’s involvement as the brand ambassador is a crucial component of our strategy. His popularity and wide appeal make him an effective bridge to connect with our target demographic. Kartik posted the campaign look and video on his official X and Instagram accounts, which garnered over 127K engagements, highlighting the campaign’s wide reach and his influential presence. His portrayal of an alien in the campaign symbolizes the universal allure of UEFA Euro 2024, adding a fun and relatable element to the promotion. We have created a variety of engaging content, including new-look graphics, teaser videos, and campaign film, all designed to build anticipation and encourage fan participation.

We are also partnering with famous sports personalities to amplify the campaign’s reach, and create maximum buzz and engagement for UEFA Euro 2024, making it a grand celebration of football that resonates with fans across India.

On integration of original content and programming around UEFA EURO 2024 to keep the audience engaged beyond the live matches

With football being one of the most followed sports globally and rapidly growing in India, we’re committed to providing an immersive experience that goes beyond just the live matches. For UEFA EURO 2024, we’re ramping up our efforts to keep fans engaged beyond the live matches. We understand that football is not just about the games; it’s about the analysis, and discussions surrounding them.

The addition of football legend Patrice Evra to our esteemed panel for UEFA EURO 2024 will enrich the viewing experience for our audience. Alongside former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood and Mark Seagraves will provide in-depth analysis and insights, keeping fans engaged before, during, and after the matches.

On the key areas of growth SPNI is focusing on within sports broadcasting, particularly in relation to football

At Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), we are dedicated to enhance the sports broadcasting experience, particularly in football. Recently, we renewed our UEFA Club competition rights for the next four years, which includes broadcasting rights of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League. Additionally, we have the rights of the 2028 edition of the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2028), as well as the Bundesliga, the Russian Premier League (RSL), and the UEFA Nations League.

Our commitment to football broadcasting goes beyond securing rights. We are the pioneers in providing language feeds for football, ensuring that fans can enjoy the game in their preferred languages. “Football Extra” on Sony Sports Network has set a benchmark in football programming with its in-depth analysis and engaging content.

We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the viewing experience. Our goal is to bring fans closer to the action and make football more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

On your personal excitement about UEFA EURO 2024 and Sony Sports Network’s role in bringing it to viewers

Football happens to be one of the most followed sports in the world and is also growing by leaps and bounds in India. For instance, how the EURO 2020 broadcast on Sony Sports Network captivated audiences across India with 61 million viewers tuning in to witness the thrilling matches. This demonstrates the immense affinity Indian audiences have for international football competitions. We understand the significance of this event for football enthusiasts in India and are committed to delivering an unmatched viewing experience.

We aim to provide viewers with an unforgettable experience to witness some of the world’s finest footballing talents competing on the grandest stage. It’s not just about the matches; it’s about the shared passion and joy that football brings to millions.

On the biggest challenges in sports broadcasting over the next few years

As a sports broadcaster, we haven’t faced any challenges in the industry, especially with major events like UEFA EURO 2024, but one particular challenge that stands out, particularly in India is cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indian sports fans, and its overwhelming popularity can sometimes overshadow other sports events.

However, at Sony Sports, we view this challenge as an opportunity to diversify and expand our offerings. We understand the importance of providing a multisport channel that caters to the diverse interests of Indian sports enthusiasts. By offering a wide variety of sports, including football, tennis, WWE, and more, we aim to appeal to a broader audience and elevate the profile of non-cricket sports in India.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and engaging content, we are committed to promoting a culture of sports beyond cricket.

July 8, 2024
Patrice Evra joins Sony Sports Network’s studio show for the live coverage of UEFA EURO 2024

Mumbai: Sony Sports Network is thrilled to announce former France football team captain Patrice Evra as one of the expert panellists for their live coverage of the biggest football tournament of this year- UEFA Euro 2024. Evra will join the eminent panel of experts on their flagship studio show Football Extraaa during the UEFA EURO 2024 to enrich the experience of the viewers with their excellent analysis of each of the matches.

The ‘Home of Football in India’ – Sony Sports Network will broadcast the much-anticipated UEFA EURO 2024 LIVE across Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD, Sony Ten 5 SD & HD.

Evra is one of the most decorated football players, who earned 81 international caps from 2004-2016. The former defender played 725 matches in club football, which included 379 matches for Manchester United from 2006-2014. He also featured in 82 matches for Juventus from 2014-2017. The left back was part of five title-winning Premier League campaigns with Manchester United. He also lifted the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup with the English club. Moreover, Evra was also part of the Serie A-winning Juventus team in 2015 and 2016.

Evra has also won multiple accolades as he was adjudged the UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in 2003-04. He went on to make it to the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year 2003-04, PFA Premier League Team of the Year thrice (2006-07, 2008-09, 2009-10), FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2009 and the UEFA Team of the Year in 2009.

Since his countless footballing achievements, Patrice’s focus has been to give back to others: whether it be joining the fight to end violence against children or promoting gender equality through charitable affiliations, spreading positivity with his I Love This Game movement or shining a light on racism and mental health issues in football.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul said, “We are delighted to have football legend Patrice Evra join our eminent panel for the biggest football tournament of this year, UEFA EURO 2024. Evra’s larger than life personality along with his experience, knowledge, and understanding of the sport will ensure a rich experience for our viewers. At Sony Sports Network, our commitment is to provide our audience with the best viewing experience of the marquee tournament, both on and off the pitch which makes Evra the perfect addition to the UEFA EURO 2024 panel.”

Evra said, “India holds a special place in my heart. I had a magnificent time in the country during my last visit and I cannot wait to follow this up with my partnership with Sony Sports Network for UEFA EURO 2024. Sony Sports Network has a great legacy as the Home of football in India and I am looking forward to contributing own experience and knowledge during the broadcast of the tournament. UEFA EURO 2024 is one of the biggest football tournaments in the world which will feature some of the best teams and players of Europe competing for the coveted trophy.”

Eight out of the top 10 FIFA ranked teams, including defending UEFA EURO champions Italy, will feature in the most-anticipated football tournament of the year as the hunt for the prestigious international title begins in Germany from 14 June 2024. Some of the most popular football players such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Harry Kane (England), Christian Eriksen (Denmark), Kylian Mbappé (France) and Manuel Neuer (Germany) will be seen in action during the competition. The flag bearers of European football will don their national colours and gun for glory at the biggest stage.

June 4, 2024
Sania Mirza continues association with Sony Sports Network as brand ambassador for tennis ahead of Roland Garros 2024

Mumbai: Sony Sports Network is delighted to announce that Indian tennis player Sania Mirza has extended her association as the brand ambassador for tennis that includes Roland Garros, US Open & Australian Open amongst other tennis properties from the broadcaster’s sports portfolio. Mirza will next be seen as the expert panellist on Sony Sports Network’s flagship studio show Extraaa Serve during the live coverage of Roland Garros.

Mirza is one of the most successful Indian tennis players in history with six Grand Slam titles to her name. She is a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Padma Shri as well as the Padma Bhushan. She will be next seen sharing her expert opinions and in-depth analysis for Roland Garros on Sony Sports Network. Along with Sania Mirza, Sony Sports Network will have Olympian & former India No. 1 and Asian Games & Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Somdev Devvarman and Davis Cup player Purav Raja on the expert panel for Roland Garros.

Played on the toughest surface in tennis, one can expect surprises as the tournament comes into action on 26 May 2024, LIVE on Sony Sports Network. Roland Garros 2024 will be aired in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil & Telugu from the get-go, raising the excitement levels of the Indian tennis fans. Sony Sports Network is the Home of Tennis in India, with three out of four Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros & US Open, along with ATP Masters and Davis Cup in their portfolio.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “We are absolutely delighted to extend the partnership with Sania Mirza, who continues to share her invaluable expertise and insights of the sport as the Tennis Ambassador on Sony Sports Network. This partnership will help us maintain our stance as the Home of Tennis is India in its truest sense, with the broadcast of the most important tennis tournaments complemented by unparalleled expert analysis.”

Mirza said, “Following a year full of unforgettable memories in Grand Slams, I am elated to stay with Sony Sports Network as the brand ambassador and expert panellist. The upcoming Roland Garros will be a special one as world tennis ushers into a new era of greats. I am looking forward to being part of Sony Sports Network’s mission of bringing fans closer to the sport and providing tennis the recognition it deserves in India.”

Former India No. 1 and Asian Games & Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist Somdev Devvarman said, “It’s always a pleasure to be part of Sony Sports Network’s broadcast of top tennis properties. The upcoming Roland Garros is slated to be a special one in many ways as the sport continues to see a paradigm shift with brilliant new talent coming up. I am thrilled to be part of all the excitement and passion that Roland Garros 2024 will bring along.”

Considered as the toughest Grand Slam of all, this will be the 128th edition of Roland Garros as the world’s finest tennis players gear up for the clay season’s special. Rafael Nadal, popularly known as the ‘King of Clay,’ has been crowned the Roland Garros champion for a record 14 times. The Spanish maestro missed out the last time due to injury and will be gunning for glory after the long hiatus.

May 22, 2024
Kartik Aaryan dons futuristic look for Sony Sports Network’s UEFA EURO 2024 campaign

Mumbai: 30 days ahead of UEFA EURO 2024, the biggest football festival of the year, Sony Sports Network has launched its blockbuster campaign “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” featuring their brand ambassador for football, Bollywood sensation Kartik Aaryan. The champion can be seen assuming a dual role in the enthralling campaign film which raises the bar of anticipation for the quadrennial tournament.

The campaign film which is high on visual effects encapsulates the level of enthusiasm of fans for UEFA EURO 2024 and provides a glimpse of what ‘the biggest footballing event of the universe’ will bring to the table. The film is a visual delight on Indian television and features Kartik Aaryan, who for the first time dons the avatar of an alien from outer space, is intrigued by the celebrations on Earth and decides to join the festival of football. The alien finds his identical self in a human form. The duo then joins hands along with thousands of other fans to celebrate their favourite European teams and players participating in the tournament.

A continental spectacle, UEFA EURO 2024 is one of the most eagerly-awaited sporting events of the year. The competition will feature 8 out of the top 10 FIFA-ranked countries including reigning champions Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, England, Netherlands and Croatia vying for the coveted title. Undoubtedly, the best players and coaches, not just in Europe but across the world will be seen in action as international football takes over the mantle from club football for a month. Fan favourites Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Thomas Mueller, Virgil van Dijk, Luka Modric and others will don their national colours, showcase their magic on the pitch and aim for the ultimate prize.

The campaign by Sony Sports Network paves the way for an exciting month for football fans as the countdown begins for UEFA EURO 2024. Stay tuned for more on the “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign on Sony Sports Network.

Comments:

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul:

“UEFA EURO is widely celebrated as one of the biggest football tournaments in the world and we are thrilled to collaborate with Kartik Aaryan, our Brand Ambassador for Football on Sony Sports Network, on this extraordinary campaign for this tournament. This kind of film with a high-end scale and special effects for a football tournament has never been seen by Indian audiences with Kartik Aaryan at the helm of it. The film resonates the excitement for the continental spectacle and captures the emotions of the football fans further reaffirming Sony Sports Network’s commitment to bringing the best experience to our viewers.”

Kartik Aaryan, Bollywood Superstar & Brand Ambassador for Football on Sony Sports Network:

“It’s a pleasure to be associated with Sony Sports Network for this amazing campaign for the UEFA EURO which is the biggest footballing event of 2024. Being a football fan, this campaign is particularly close to my heart. I really enjoyed playing an alien for the first time in my life and for this spectacular campaign. The countdown begins for UEFA EURO 2024 which is going to be a fantastic experience for all audiences in India.”

Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster for UEFA EURO 2024 in India. Watch the drama unfold from 15 June, LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD, and Sony Ten 5 SD & HD.

May 17, 2024
“India is the biggest cricket market on the planet”: Scott Weenink & Rajesh Kaul

Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the exclusive television and digital rights to broadcast and stream all New Zealand Cricket matches, featuring BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS, in India and associated territories for the next seven years. This agreement, spanning from 1 May 2024, to 30 April 2031, encompasses India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 seasons, as well as all bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is held in New Zealand during this period.

As per media reports, the deal is estimated to be valued between $90 million to $100 million (equivalent to approximately Rs 749 crore to Rs 833 crore). All matches will be telecast and streamed live across SPNI’s sports channels and will be livestreamed on Sony LIV. Additionally, SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Amazon Prime for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

New Zealand have enjoyed major success in the recent years, with the inaugural World Test Championship title win in 2021 highlighting their accolades. The men’s team also finished runners-up in the previous T20 World Cup, winning millions of hearts with their spirited display.

Subsequently, cricket fans in the Indian subcontinent can look forward to watching the BLACKCAPS in action against India, Australia, England and Pakistan among others until the end of the 2031 season.

Indiantelevision.com had a delightful conversation with SPNI’s chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul and New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink, where each shared their take on the significance of this deal, evolution of digital platforms & streaming services and much more…

Edited excerpts

On Sony Pictures Networks India leveraging this partnership to enhance its sports content offerings

Kaul: We are a global multi-sports arena and the premier destination for sports fans. Our aim has been to strengthen our sports portfolio not only with cricket offerings but also in Tennis, Football, WWE, Fight sports, motorsports, domestic leagues and multi-sporting events among others. We have been acquiring prestigious marquee properties at regular intervals and our sports acquisition strategy has always been guided by rational decisions. With the current media rights scenario in India, we feel that NZC cricket rights is something which adds significant value to our portfolio which currently comprises England and Wales Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket. Apart from Team India’s series in these nations, we will also broadcast the high-octane non-India cricket series hosted by these countries. We are also the home to the next two editions of the UEFA EUROs as well as home to three out of four Grand Slams on our network with Australian Open, Roland Garros & US Open. Recently, we announced the extension of broadcast rights for the UEFA Club competitions for an additional three years. Our objective has always been very clear, i.e., to serve sports fans with premium content in the form of diverse global and local properties and we will continue the momentum in the future.

On this collaboration contributing to the development of cricket in New Zealand

Weenink: Well, it’s obvious. India is the biggest cricket market on the planet. This is a big deal, which will help service the game of cricket in New Zealand from the grassroots up, men and women, and juniors. Also, by increasing the exposure of NZC and NZC Players to the Indian market, we are increasing both the commercial value of NZC and the individual intellectual property value of NZC Players.

On the role of digital platforms and streaming services evolving in the broadcasting of cricket matches, particularly in the context of this partnership

Weenink: AT NZC we’ve long held that digital and streaming is the future. I don’t think there’s much doubt about that.

However, it’s also true that linear is still massive in terms of the present day – representing more than half the consumer market in India.

Having an arrangement in which we can provide our games on both linear and digital is very important to us.

On some other strategies you have in place to maximize the success of this partnership and some innovative plans Sony Pictures Networks India has for enhancing the viewer experience during New Zealand cricket matches

Kaul: Cricket is the most popular sport in India and bilateral cricket series rights provide a broadcaster with access to regular high-quality cricket. The New Zealand Black Caps & Silver Ferns enjoy a strong following in India due to their highly competitive spirit and good sporting behaviour. Stars like Kane Williamson & Trent Boult are among the top followed international stars among cricket fans. Cricket rights for New Zealand helps in providing around the clock offering for sports fans. The addition of NZC to our cricket portfolio, which already includes ECB and SLC, helps engage the cricket fan with our network regularly through the year.

Our programming initiatives also play an integral role in attracting new audiences and we will continue the momentum with New Zealand Cricket matches. Sony Sports Network (SSN) broadcasts all the India matches in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. For an enhanced viewing experience, we have virtual reality sets and augmented reality graphics. Our live studio show for cricket, Extraaa Innings, is an iconic SSN show since 2003. It has a relaxed, conversational manner of cricket coverage which eases into Indian homes like a member of their family and presents cricket from a unique human-interest angle which focuses on the emotions rather than over-analysis or microstats. In addition to this, we have always reached out to our cricket fans through our iconic campaigns like Love for Cricket knows no Boundaries, Ashes – Platinum Standard of Cricket among others and will also continue to do so with NZC series.

April 15, 2024
Sony Pictures Networks India set to become the home to New Zealand Cricket for seven years

Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the television and digital rights to broadcast and stream all New Zealand-based BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years.

The landmark deal, from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2031, will include India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the designated period.

All matches will be telecast and streamed live across SPNI’s sports channels and will be livestreamed on Sony LIV, respectively, adding to an SPNI portfolio which already includes agreements with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Sony Pictures Networks India CEO & managing director NP Singh stated, “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with New Zealand Cricket.

“New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of the most respected cricket teams globally.

“It is our privilege to deepen and nurture the bond between this esteemed team and its passionate fan base in India.”

Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, Chair of New Zealand Cricket, said it was an exciting time for both organisations.

“With world-class sporting tournaments in their portfolio, Sony Pictures Networks India is one of the premiere sports content providers in India and we look forward to our association”, she said.

The BLACKCAPS have enjoyed major success in the recent years, with the inaugural World Test Championship title win in 2021 highlighting their accolades. The men’s team also finished runners-up in the previous T20 World Cup, winning millions of hearts with their spirited display.

Cricket fans in the Indian subcontinent can look forward to watching the BLACKCAPS in action against cricket heavyweights India, Australia, England and Pakistan among others until the end of the 2031 season.

SPNI’s chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul, welcomed NZC to its stable of cricket content.

“Our constant endeavour has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio. making us a global muti-sporting arena for audiences in India. Our partnership with NZC is an important addition to our sports portfolio as the BLACKCAPS have won the hearts of cricket fans through their fierce competitive spirit and impeccable sporting behaviour”, said Kaul.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven year partnership which includes three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2024-25 as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men’s team in 2026-27 and 2030-31 respectively.”

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink was delighted with the agreement, noting the partnership was a natural fit, with both organisations sharing similar values.

“Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative and forward-focussed business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world”, said Weenink.

“It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be – values NZC relates to very strongly.”

NZC GM Commercial Chris Smith said India was a key market for NZC and that the partnership with SPNI was the result of closely aligned interests.

“It’s fair to say this is a significant commercial agreement,” said Smith.

“Sony has a large presence in the Indian market on both linear and digital platforms and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.

“It’s been a great experience working with the Sony team while finalising these arrangements.”

SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Amazon Prime for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

March 27, 2024
Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has extended its collaboration with Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), with a renewal of exclusive broadcast and digital rights for showcasing the biggest European club football leagues that includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Youth League.

The renewal is valid from the 2024/ 2025 season till the end of the 2026-2027 season. As part of the three-season renewal, the broadcaster will have access to showcase over 1600 football matches across its channels over three seasons. Audiences in India will get a chance to watch their favorite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and more along with their favorite players like Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski amongst others. These UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television on Sony Sports Network as well as live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.

The UEFA Champions League will also be following a new format and competition system from 2024/25. From this season, four additional clubs will participate in the UEFA Champions League in a new league phase giving four more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe. 36 clubs will participate in this single league format in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together. This will make this phase of the tournament even more exciting and would give the fans an opportunity to see more matches between the top teams. In addition to this, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, so fans can continue to enjoy non-stop European club football from August to May without any breaks in between.

Sony Sports Network will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and the contribution of regional language coverage to the viewership of the league’s knockout matches has gone up in recent years. Over the last three years, the incremental reach contributed by the regional coverage has increased from 25 per cent in the 2020/21 season to 38 per cent in the last season (2022/23).

Sony Sports Network has been the home to UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this year the final is going to take place at the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley Stadium in London, England. In addition to this, Sony Sports Network continues to be the official broadcaster for the UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League and more.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “Sony Sports Network, with a longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of football, takes immense pride in announcing the extension of its partnership with UEFA for the next three seasons. Through this renewed collaboration, Sony Sports Network reaffirms its dedication to delivering unrivalled access to the most prestigious club football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely through the introduction of regional language commentary. With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further. As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, we eagerly anticipate showcasing over 1600 highly competitive football matches across these leagues to our viewers.”

UEFA Events SA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network. Sony Sports Network coverage of UEFA properties in India has led to the growth of its following and viewership in India. Fans in the region will be offered extensive and excellent coverage of UEFA’s Football portfolio which includes the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, with the broadcast on Sony Sports Network and their digital platform Sony LIV.”

March 4, 2024
Sony Sports Network secures television broadcast rights for the tenth season of (CCL)

Mumbai: Celebrity Cricket League (CCL), a premier sportainment extravaganza, is set to enthral fans once again as it embarks on its much-anticipated tenth season. Sony Sports Network, a leading sports broadcaster in India, has bagged the live telecast rights for the season, ensuring that fans across the nation can witness the thrilling action unfold.

The Celebrity Cricket League, now in its tenth season, is set to begin on 23 February. It will feature some of the biggest names from India’s film industry, including Salman Khan, Kichcha Sudeepa, Sohail Khan, Akhil Akkineni, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sonu Sood, Manoj Tiwari, Aarya, Jisshu Sengupta, Riteish Deshmukh, and more. The tournament will be held at various venues, including Sharjah (UAE), as well as multiple cities in India, such as Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Trivandrum and Vizag, which will also host the playoffs and finals.

Comments:

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head of sports business, Rajesh Kaul:

“Celebrity Cricket League has carved its niche in the hearts of cricket and cinema enthusiasts alike and showcases great entertainment value. Sony Sports Network is pleased to partner with Celebrity Cricket League to bring star-studded moments straight from the pitch to the viewers.”

CCL founder Vishnu Induri:

“We are pleased to announce our partnership with Sony Sports Network for the telecast of the Celebrity Cricket League on Indian television. Sony Sports Network is known for airing some of the best sports events throughout the year, and we are proud to have joined forces with a broadcaster that caters to millions of sports enthusiasts every day. Since its inception, the league has established itself as a prominent source of entertainment by offering high-quality cricketing action and has gained immense popularity. The previous season garnered an impressive cumulative TV and digital reach, exceeding 250 million viewers nationwide.”

The upcoming season promises 20 action-packed games, featuring eight teams representing major film industries. CCL, with over 200 film celebrities participating, continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of sports and entertainment. Don’t miss out on the adrenaline-pumping moments, as CCL’s 10th season unfolds exclusively on Sony Sports Network, delivering unparalleled access to the heart of the action.

February 14, 2024
South cinestar Karthi captures the stories of WWE ‘Heroes & Villains’ and ‘Strength & Stunts’ in the latest Sony Sports Network films

Mumbai: Sony Sports Network, the official broadcaster of WWE in India, has launched two blockbuster films featuring WWE fan and South cine superstar Karthi, further strengthening its commitment to customized and locally curated content around WWE in the South markets. The actor has delivered his own ode to WWE’s unique 100% pure sports entertainment by portraying “Heroes and Villains,” who complement each other along with their extraordinary “Strength and Stunts”.

WWE has been embraced by the fans with open arms, consistently delivering high viewership and fostering an ever-growing fandom in the South market. Sony Sports Network remains committed to offering more than just WWE broadcast, and these films are an addition to their efforts in keeping the fans closer to their favourite WWE Superstars and all the mind-blowing action they bring week after week.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul said, “WWE has a strong fanbase in South India and the region contributes to 41% of its reach in the country. As the home of WWE in India, we are thrilled to collaborate with Karthi and continue our efforts to narrate extraordinary stories in Tamil & Telugu that resonate with the audience. These films revisit the appeal of WWE that is driven by compelling characters along with high-octane stunts and we remain committed to bringing the best of pure sports entertainment to our viewers.”

Karthi said, “Portraying the roles of WWE’s Heroes and Villains was definitely a memorable experience for me and it was exhilarating to watch them in action. WWE has a huge following in India, especially in the South market, and as a fan myself, I am thrilled to be collaborating with Sony Sports Network and WWE”

Having assumed the roles of both heroes and villains in Indian cinema previously, Karthi perfectly blends into the characters and translates the power of WWE’s protagonists as well as antagonists. With his sheer passion and immaculate role play, Karthi has brought to life Sony Sports Network’s

campaign for the WWE dedicated fanbase in the South market. The creative concept and the direction of the films was executed inhouse by Sony Sports Network.

Film: Heroes and Villains

Karthi leads us through the stories of WWE’s heroes and villains. WWE is a destination where different people with various personalities, styles, and attitudes come together, and aim to reach their ultimate goal. The film shows that heroes and villains co-exist to make WWE the greatest in the world.

WWE Extraordinary Heroes & Villains ft. Karthi | Sony Sports Network (Tamil)

WWE Heroes and Villains ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)

Film: Strengths & Stunts

This film, featuring Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, showcases incredible feats inside the WWE ring. The film captures high-class action, drama, and awe-inspiring displays of strength. Owens, Zayn, and Karthi express gratitude to fans for their unwavering support, inspiring WWE Superstars to provide thrilling entertainment.

Strength & Stunts ft. Karthi, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn | WWE | Sony Sports Network (Tamil) WWE Strength and Stunts ft. Karthi (Telugu) | Sony Sports Network (Telugu)

January 17, 2024