After signing Viacom 18 as the official broadcaster for the newly launched SA20 league for 10 years, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is reportedly going to sign another deal with it for its domestic bilateral matches (both men’s and women’s cricket).
As per a report in Cricbuzz, no official announcement has been made by any of the two sides however, the deal is set to be inked by the parties in a day or two.
“Apart from being the rights holders of SA20 for 10 years, from 2023-32, Viacom 18 thus will also hold the media rights of international cricket in South Africa for seven years, from 2024-25 to 30-31, during which time South Africa are scheduled to play 87 games, including 21 involving India,” the report said.
The report further said that the price of the rights is believed to be over USD 250 million and the deal will include both television and digital rights.
“As per the ITT, the CSA had fixed USD 7,000,000 ($ USD million) per an India match, and USD 3,000,000 (USD 3 million) per non-India season. During the deal, India are slated to visit South Africa twice, but only in 2027-28 when they will play two Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is and again in 2031 when the tour will consist of two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is,” it added.
Earlier on Wednesday, SA20 had announced a 10-year partnership with Viacom18 Sports, India’s newest sports network, to exclusively present all matches in India. After the deal, the leaugue will be beamed in Sports 18 television channel and digitally on Jio platforms.
As the CSA tender process was unable to find any broadcaster, the board had entered into negotiations with Viacom 18 and although the value of the deal was not disclosed, reports suggested that it was likely over 100 million for 10 years.
Notably, the league’s most matches will be reportedly be played as per Indian prime time.