Media giant Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) recently bagged the Asia Cup broadcasting rights until 2031. The news was made public by current Asian Cricket Council (ACC) exec Jay Shah. He made the development known via his social media handle, announcing a partnership that will see all media rights for ACC tournaments go to SPNI:
“On behalf of @ACCMedia1, I am delighted to announce ACC’s partnership with @SonySportsNetwk India, granting them exclusive media rights for all ACC Asia Cup tournaments from 2024 to 2031,” Shah said via his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
What are the Details of this New Broadcasting Deal?
ACC exec Shah revealed that the current SPNI deal is a 70% improvement from the broadcast rights cycle expiring this year:
“This landmark deal, with over a 70% increase from the previous rights cycle, underscores the growing global stature of ACC events. With Sony’s expertise, we are confident in delivering an exceptional viewing experience and setting new benchmarks for Asian cricket.”
The new deal is worth $170 million, a sharp increase from the $62 million Star India paid for broadcasting rights in 2016.
“This Media Rights deal is a significant milestone for the Asian Cricket Council and cricket across the region. The Asia Cup continues to be a cornerstone of cricketing excellence, bringing together the best of the region’s talent. With Sony Pictures Networks India as our new media partner, we are confident in their ability to deliver world-class coverage and an immersive viewing experience for fans worldwide,” Shah added.
ACC Aims to Benefit from SPNI’s Expansive Coverage
Mr. Shah revealed through a statement that the ACC hopes to take advantage of SPNI’s wide broadcasting coverage to get Asian cricket into more screens:
“With Sony’s extensive expertise in the broadcasting industry, we are excited to embark on this new partnership. Sony’s expertise and innovative approach promise to bring a fresh perspective to the coverage of Asian cricket, reaching new audiences and setting new benchmarks,” the statement read.
New changes to the current rights deal will see four editions of Asia Cup cricket spread across 8 years. Two editions will be in ODI format and the others in twenty-over cricket. India will host the first T20I Asia Cup in 2025 before Bangladesh host the ODI format in 2027. Pakistan will be the 2029 T20I Asia Cup host before Sri Lanka’s ODI hosting rights slated for 2031.
“ACC tournaments have created unforgettable moments and set the stage for the most intense Asian Cricket rivalries. We eagerly look forward to sharing the thrill and spirit of these matches with cricket fans,” the statement concluded.
SPNI at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Name | Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) |
| Designation | Leading entertainment company in India |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Founded | 1995 (as Sony Entertainment Television) |
| Parent Company | Sony Corporation |
| CEO | Gaurav Banerjee (as of 2024) |
| Industry | Media and Entertainment |
| Employees | Over 2,000 (approx.) |
| Website | www.sonypicturesnetworks.com |
| Digital Platform | Sony LIV: Offers on-demand content, including web series, movies, sports, and TV shows. |
| Key Operations | – Television broadcasting across genres and languages. |
| – Sports broadcasting (e.g., FIFA, IPL, WWE). | |
| – Digital content via Sony LIV, including regional and original content. | |
| – Revenue from advertisements, sponsorships, and content syndication. | |
| Milestones | – 1995: Launch of Sony Entertainment Television (SET). |
| – 2001: Launch of Sony MAX. | |
| – 2013: Launch of Sony LIV OTT platform. | |
| – 2016: Acquired IPL broadcasting rights. | |
| – 2017: Secured FIFA World Cup broadcasting rights in India. | |
| – 2024: Acquired ACC broadcasting rights |
How Many ACC Tournaments Will the New SPNI Deal Cover?
The ACC oversees thirteen (13) major tournaments across senior and junior level. The complete list of ACC-affiliated tournaments include:
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Premier Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Premier Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Challenger Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s U16 East Zone Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s U16 West Zone Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Under-19 Premier Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Women’s Under-19 Premier Cup
ACC exec Shah confirmed via a statement that the current Sony Pictures Network deal will cover every edition of Asian international cricket:
“The deal encompasses all editions of the Men’s and Women’s Asia Cups, Men’s and Women’s Under-19 Asia Cups, and the Men’s and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cups. This partnership ensures comprehensive and innovative coverage of Asian cricket’s marquee tournaments across television, digital, and audio platforms,” Mr. Shah said.
