In what has come about as a big development in the Indian sports broadcasting scene, Zee Media, the Essel business group’s entertainment wing bought the broadcast rights for United Arab Emirates’ yet to be launched T20 League. The 10-year deal was finalised for a whopping 120 million USD.
The deal is significant in the snake that it might also be the first step in what is going to be a big media merger between Sony and Zee group. Sony, therefore, did not take part in the bidding process.
"Given that most players will be internationals, it will be a highly competitive tournament," an Essel Group official was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
The league, which is scheduled to start in February 2022 has big inventors to prop it up. Apart from three IPL team owners of Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, the Glazer family of Manchester United and Sydney Sixers of Big Bash League are also involved in team ownership.
According to sources, the Emirates Cricket Board will be allowing the franchises to field 10 foreigners in the playing XI.