WEST INDIAN CRICKETERS will now receive unmatched global exposure as a result of the historic three-year deal which the regional board has inked with broadcast partner ESPN.
In officially announcing the pact yesterday, hours after details of the contract were published in the WEEKEND NATION, West Indies Cricket Board’s chief executive officer Dr Ernest Hilaire noted it was a mutual investment in the sport, the players and the people across the Caribbean.
“The new three-year deal will further help to showcase the players in the West Indies and give them unparalleled global exposure.
“It will also give viewers around the world the opportunity to get a taste and feel of the unique flavour, style and vibe of cricket in the Caribbean,” Hilaire asserted in a Press release.
Under the new deal, ESPN in the Caribbean and ESPN3.com in the United States will broadcast the Caribbean Twenty20 and other WICB regional tournaments live to audiences across the globe.
ESPN will also air one-hour highlights programmes to their Caribbean audience of West Indies’ 2011 home series against India and Pakistan and the 2012 rubber against New Zealand and Australia.
ESPN was host broadcaster for last year’s inaugural Caribbean T20 and also will be host broadcaster for the second edition to be played from Monday to January 23 in Antigua and Barbados.
ESPN and ESPN3.com in the US will broadcast the tournament in 2012 and 2013 as well.
“The WICB and ESPN have formed a very close relationship and we are both working well together as we seek to create a framework for cricket in the West Indies,” Hilaire said.
“ESPN has demonstrated a passion for West Indies cricket and we are pleased to have them on board with us.”
Bernard Stewart, vice-president, ESPN Caribbean and Maritime Media, said the agreement with the WICB strengthened the commitment of their mission to deliver the highest quality sports events to their viewers.
“With the WICB matches, we will be providing West Indies cricket fans the opportunity to watch their local heroes on live television, as well as expand the appreciation of West Indies cricket by presenting these matches to our international viewership,” Stewart said.
In addition to the CT20, ESPN will broadcast other WICB regional events, including the semis and final of the WICB Regional 50-Over Tournament, to audiences in the Caribbean, United States, Australia and New Zealand, Africa and the Middle East.
