MUMBAI: Nimbus Communications, the global media rights owner of Indian cricket up to March 2010, last evening reached agreement with national terrestrial broadcaster Doordarshan for the broadcast of all matches (Tests & ODIs included).
As decreed in the downlinking policy guidelines issued by the government, the revenue share for this series is 75:25 in favour of Nimbus. All commercial airtime on the India-England Series 2006 will be exclusively marketed by Nimbus.
With this signing, two of the three key parts of the upcoming India-England telecast picture have now been settled (as announced yesterday, the England territory rights remain with Sky Sports). All that now remains is the unveiling of the cable & satellite broadcaster for the India territory, which is expected anytime now.
Interestingly, Nimbus has made it clear that even in regards to the satellite channel, it will be the one managing the marketing of commercial airtime. Nimbus chief Harish Thawani remained tight-lipped on the satellite partner, saying that the announcement would be made in due course. As for Doordarshan, all matches (including Tests) will be telecast on the DD National network. The world feed (live coverage) will be provided to DD by Nimbus Sport, the BCCI appointed producer.
All commercial airtime on the India-England Series 2006 will be exclusively marketed by Nimbus thropugh its ad sales arm Nimbus Media Solutions. Commenting on the deal, Raju Udupa-VP Media Solutions said, “We are pleased to extend our association with DD with this landmark deal. This 10 match series is perhaps the biggest cricket series to be staged in India in a very long time. We believe it will break new ratings records.”
