The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ESPN-STAR announces launch of cricket channel

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Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007
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ESPN-STAR announces launch of cricket channel

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: ESPN STAR, Asia's premier sports broadcaster, on Tuesday announced the launch of a dedicated cricket channel for audiences in the Indian subcontinent. The new channel, christened STAR Cricket, will commence transmission in June 2007. STAR Cricket will be the 15th network launched by ESPN STAR in the Asia Pacific region.

Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd, R.C. Venkatesh, said, "The launch of STAR Cricket is part of our long term strategy to further strengthen our offering to the sports fans in the country. STAR Cricket will showcase live India and non-India cricket for the passionate Indian cricket fan.

"We plan to add quality first class cricket coverage from around the globe as well. The channel will also showcase feature programming on cricket including reality shows, archival programming and magazine shows. STAR Cricket will be the one stop destination of all the cricket action, history, updates, views and reviews."

Shastri bats for channel

Ravi Shastri, ESPN STAR expert commentator and the recently appointed manager of the Indian cricket team for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, said, "Cricket is a religion in India — the interest, passion and emotion this game evokes will remain unmatched for all times to come. With Cricket being an integral part of our lives, a dedicated cricket channel with the right mix of live, non-live and feature programming was always needed and I am delighted STAR Cricket would fill this existing gap."

Renowned commentator Harsha Bhogle said, "I believe STAR Cricket will be everything a cricket channel should be with a combination of live cricket and specially produced programming.

"I hope a real cricket lover will feel he is at home with STAR Cricket for he will get to see more than international cricket."

Live coverage

With the ICC telecast rights for the next eight years and rights from Test-playing nations like England and Australia, the ESPN-STAR network is looking at a total of 24 Test matches and 42 one-day internationals in 2007 alone. In addition, ESPN-STAR will also showcase the ICC Twenty20 World Cup later this year featuring 27 matches.

With STAR Cricket coming on air in June, cricket fans will be able to watch the India tour of England where they will play four Tests and seven one-day Internationals.

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