Amazon Prime Video Secures Exclusive ICC Rights in Australia till 2027
In a groundbreaking move, Amazon Prime Video has secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for all International Cricket Council (ICC) events in Australia for the next four years. This monumental deal encompasses a wide range of tournaments, including the Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, U19s, and the World Test Championship Final. With this partnership, Amazon Prime Video becomes the primary platform for cricket enthusiasts to witness their favorite teams and players compete for glory. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this historic agreement.
Amazon Prime Video’s Entry into Australian Cricket
Amazon Prime Video’s foray into the world of Australian cricket marks a significant milestone for the streaming service. This is the first time that Amazon has acquired the rights to broadcast cricket in Australia, expanding its presence in the global sports streaming landscape. The move is seen as a direct challenge to traditional broadcasters such as Fox Sports and Seven Network, who have been grappling with financial difficulties and legal disputes over cricket broadcast rights.
Comprehensive Coverage of ICC Events
Under this exclusive agreement, Amazon Prime Video will provide comprehensive coverage of all ICC events held in Australia from 2024 to 2027. Cricket fans in Australia will have access to a treasure trove of live matches, with a staggering total of 448 games across various formats. Whether it’s the excitement of the Men’s T20 World Cup, the nail-biting Women’s Cricket World Cup, or the intense battles in the World Test Championship Final, Prime Video will be the go-to platform for cricket enthusiasts.
Unprecedented Access for Australian Viewers
Hushidar Kharas, the Head of Prime Video Australia and New Zealand, expressed his excitement about the deal, emphasizing the unparalleled access it offers to cricket fans. He stated, “The Cricket World Cup is one of the most viewed sporting events in the world, and over the next four years, Prime members in Australia will be able to watch their favorite cricket teams and players compete for the game’s biggest prize, on demand, on the device of their choice—exclusively on Prime Video.”
A Shift in the Broadcasting Landscape
The rights deal between Amazon Prime Video and the ICC represents a seismic shift in the broadcasting landscape. It is the most significant sports deal to date that has gone to a streaming service without an attached free-to-air partner. This transformation highlights the growing influence of digital platforms and the increasing popularity of streaming services among sports viewers.
ICC Events on Prime Video from 2024-2027
With the exclusive rights secured by Amazon Prime Video, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling lineup of ICC events from 2024 to 2027. Here is a glimpse of the tournaments that will captivate fans across Australia:
Men’s T20 World Cup: USA/West Indies (June 2024)
The Men’s T20 World Cup is set to kick off the exhilarating series of ICC events on Prime Video. Teams from around the globe will compete in the United States and the West Indies, showcasing their skills and vying for the coveted title.
Women’s T20 World Cup: Bangladesh (September 2024)
Following the Men’s T20 World Cup, the stage will be set for the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh. This tournament will witness fierce competition among the world’s top women’s cricket teams, providing an incredible spectacle for fans to enjoy.
Men’s Champions Trophy: Pakistan (February 2025)
Next on the calendar is the Men’s Champions Trophy, which will take place in Pakistan. This highly anticipated tournament brings together the best cricketing nations in a battle for supremacy, showcasing exceptional skills and thrilling encounters.
World Test Championship Final: England (June 2025)
Cricket enthusiasts can savor the ultimate clash between the top two Test teams in the iconic World Test Championship Final to be held in England. This battle for supremacy will determine the undisputed champion of the Test format.
Women’s ODI World Cup: India (September 2025)
The Women’s ODI World Cup in India promises to be a celebration of top-tier women’s cricket. Teams from around the world will compete against each other, displaying their cricketing prowess and battling for the prestigious title.
Men’s T20 World Cup: India/Sri Lanka (September 2026)
India and Sri Lanka will jointly host the Men’s T20 World Cup, offering cricket fans an unforgettable experience. The tournament will witness thrilling matches, breathtaking performances, and fierce rivalries as teams fight for glory.
Women’s T20 World Cup: England (June 2026)
Following the Men’s T20 World Cup, England will play host to the Women’s T20 World Cup. This tournament will showcase the immense talent and skill of women cricketers from around the world, captivating audiences with their prowess.
Women’s Champions Trophy: Sri Lanka (February 2027)
Sri Lanka will host the Women’s Champions Trophy, bringing together top women’s cricket teams for an intense battle. This tournament provides a platform for players to showcase their abilities and vie for the prestigious trophy.
Men’s ODI World Cup: South Africa/Namibia (October 2027)
The Men’s ODI World Cup in South Africa and Namibia will be the pinnacle of cricketing excellence. The world’s best teams will compete in a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship to claim the illustrious title.
Uninterrupted Digital Viewing Experience
With the exclusive rights to ICC events in Australia, Amazon Prime Video ensures that cricket fans can enjoy an uninterrupted and immersive viewing experience. Prime members can access the matches on demand, anytime and anywhere, using their preferred devices. This flexibility allows fans to catch every thrilling moment of the tournaments at their convenience.
A Boost for Cricket in Australia
The partnership between Amazon Prime Video and the ICC provides a significant boost for cricket in Australia. The exclusive coverage of ICC events on Prime Video ensures that the sport reaches a wider audience, including those who may not have had access to traditional linear channels. This increased exposure and accessibility have the potential to inspire a new generation of cricket enthusiasts and foster the growth of the game in the country.
Conclusion
Amazon Prime Video’s acquisition of exclusive ICC rights in Australia marks a groundbreaking development in the broadcasting landscape. Cricket fans in Australia can now look forward to unparalleled access to a plethora of ICC events, ranging from thrilling World Cups to intense Test matches. With an uninterrupted digital viewing experience, Prime members can immerse themselves in the excitement and drama of the sport on their preferred devices.
This partnership between Amazon Prime Video and the ICC signifies the growing influence of streaming services in the world of sports broadcasting and sets the stage for a new era of cricket viewing in Australia. As the cricketing world gears up for the upcoming ICC events, fans can eagerly anticipate the comprehensive coverage and unmatched convenience offered by Amazon Prime Video. With this historic agreement, cricket enthusiasts can truly embrace the spirit of the game and witness the triumphs and tribulations of their favorite teams and players like never before.
