ICC appoints Channel 2 Group as audio rights partner

Under the agreement, the group will provide live audio commentary at the World Twenty20, Champions Trophy & World Cup via its sub-licensees in key cricket territories

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Channel 2 Group as its global audio rights partner after it acquired exclusive rights for all ICC events from 2016 to 2023.

Under the terms of agreement, Channel 2 Group will have global FM and AM rights, including exclusive distribution and sub-licensing rights for all the 17 ICC events in the period, starting with this month's U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh through to the 2023 World Cup in India.

As part of ICC's strategy to promote, popularise and expand the reach of its tournaments, the English transmission of its licensees will also be available on ICC's website and mobile application.

Under the agreement, Channel 2 Group will provide live audio commentary at the World Twenty20, Champions Trophy and World Cup via its sub-licensees in key cricket territories. For all other events, the coverage will be a mix of live commentary for select matches and regular live updates.

"This newest partnership will ensure expanded reach of ICC events, especially in territories where radio broadcasts are still popular. Channel 2 Group has been involved in cricket for a long time during which it has provided excellent live coverage," ICC General Manager (Commercial) Campbell Jamieson said.