ESPN3 bags exclusive telecast rights for cricket in the US

MUMBAI: Cricket is certainly going places and this time its bieng telecast exclusively on ESPN3 in the US. Popular sports pubcaster EPSN and Zee TV have struck a sub-license deal for exclusive live coverage of the West Indies tri-series.

The agreement, which includes additional series from the Pakistan and Sri Lanka cricket boards, will give fans in the US access to the matches through the end of the year. Featured opponents in the tests, ODIs and T20s include India, South Africa and New Zealand.

?ESPN3 is proving itself to be a leading destination for live coverage of major cricket events in the US, and following the ICC Champions Trophy with the tri-series in the Caribbean continues on our mission to serve fans with access to the second most popular international sport,? said ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions John Lasker. ?We look forward to delivering these events across multiple platforms to veteran fans while also introducing this dynamic sport to new audiences.?

?We are very delighted to work with ESPN3 to distribute our cricket content,? added Asia TV USA GM Sameer Targe. ?It is time south Asian programmers think outside the box to deliver their content that might otherwise not be seen on television across digital platforms to best serve sports fans.?

The current tri-series in the Caribbean between the West Indies, India and Sri Lanka concludes its final ODIs this week:

Additionally on Sunday 14 July the Pakistan vs. West Indies tour will begin its five ODIs and two T20s:

Later this month through early August, Sri Lanka vs. South Africa will play seven events that include five ODIs and three T20s:

Other series later this year feature Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand, Pakistan vs. South Africa and Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka.  The complete schedule (dates and times TBD):

In-depth pre- and post-coverage following each event will be available via ESPNcricinfo online and on mobile platforms.