The series is sanctioned by ICC and licensed for ten years by Emirates Cricket Board.
Indian media group Viacom 18 has bagged the exclusive TV and digital rights for the Abu Dhabi T10 series. The cricket series will premiere from November 19, 2021, live on Colors Cineplex SD (Hindi), Colors Cineplex HD (English), Rishtey Cineplex (Hindi), Voot and Jio.
The eight teams that will be a part of this series represent 20 nations that include Irfran Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Amir, Eoin Morgan, David Miller, Dawid Malan, Faf Du Plessis, Jason Roy, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Colin Munro, Babar Azam, Wahab Riaz, Imran Tahir and many more.
The deal was facilitated by Rise Worldwide, the sports marketing company that was formerly operated as a joint venture with the IMG agency. The series is sanctioned by ICC and licensed for ten years by Emirates Cricket Board.
Speaking about the partnership, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom 18 said: “Sporting events have always attracted a wide spectrum of audiences and we have been successfully experimenting with sports content on our network. The Abu Dhabi T10 collaboration is a bold step in further enhancing our sports content mix and we are hopeful it will help us expand our viewer and sponsor base.”
Rohan Lavsi, Business Head – Hindi Movies Cluster, Viacom18 added: “We are excited to bring to our extensive cricket fanbase in India the unique, snackable, high-energy T10 format. It is our vision and constant endeavour to present our viewers with an unmatched entertainment experience that doesn’t require an episodic commitment. Movies and sports fit this vision and in that sense are quite complimentary as a variated content mix. This belief has been validated by both our viewers and advertisers as we witnessed significant uptakes whenever we have showcased sports – be it the Nidahas Trophy or the RSWS.”
Matthew Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket, stated: “Broadcasting the Abu Dhabi T10 to homes in the Indian subcontinent on one of the leading television and streaming channels in the country makes this media agreement truly unique as global multiplatform viewership is a priority for us as a host destination partner. Together with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi, we are thrilled to continually evolve the Abu Dhabi T10 into an event that drives growing audiences every year – digitally and otherwise.”
Shaji Ul Mulk, Chairman T10 Sports Management, commented: “The Abu Dhabi T10 has grown by leaps and bounds over the past four seasons and has generated keen interest globally and gained tremendous traction in India. To our ever-growing list of fans and followers, we promise an even more exhilarating experience through one of India’s best media and entertainment networks- Viacom18.”
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, remarked: “Starting out in 2017, we are happy with the growth that Abu Dhabi T10 has achieved over the years. The advent of this league has provided a huge platform for our domestic players. The league has provided entertainment to cricket fans in India, and we are pleased that Viacom18 is now aligned with the league to further enhance the reach on its varied TV channels and digital platforms.”
The team comprises Delhi Bulls, Pune Devils, Bangla Tigers, Deccan Gladiators, Maratha Arabians, Qalandars, Northern Warriors and Team Abu Dhabi.
