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MUMBAI: Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN)
Canada’s South Asian Broadcaster has launched ATN-Cricket
Plus.
This is a sports channel with prime focus on cricket. ATN
has entered into a strategic programming alliance with DirecTV,
which has launched Cricket Plus all across the US.
Earlier the Dubai based Taj TV had reached an agreement to
produce DirecTV’s Cricket Plus Channel. Taj TV operates
Ten Sports in India, and has experience in running sports
channels for a variety of clients through its Dubai Media
City operation. That currently handles Ten Sports Middle East,
Ten Sports India, Ten Sports Pakistan, ART Prime Sport, Showtime
Sportsnet, Showtime Sportsnet America and Citrus TV.
ATN Cricket Plus in Canada will showcase some live and many
competitions on a delayed basis. ATN Cricket Plus will compliment
the existing successful Commonwealth Broadcasting Network
(CBN) channel across Canada. ATN says that it has had many
firsts to its credit in Canada dealing with cricket.
It was the first to bring the Live Satellite feed of the
World Cup Cricket back in 1986 to Canada. Since then ATN has
brought in several ICC tournaments, Championship Trophies,
one day internationals, Twenty 20’s, test matches including
the Ashes and many world class games featuring countries like,
India, Pakistan, England and Australia. ATN is also the official
Broadcast Media Sponsor of the Canadian National Cricket Team,
which is scheduled to participate in the World Cup soon.
ATN Canada president and CEO Shan Chandrasekar says, “Through
Cricket Plus we are extremely pleased to be associated with
DirecTV one of the world leaders in entertainment, news sports,
and the largest DTH platform in the world. DirecTV has redefined
the sport of cricket for television entertainment. It has
been a pleasure working with DirecTV executives.
DirecTV VP international programming Aaron McNally says,
“We admire the pioneering role played by ATN with its
dedication and track record over the past several years in
actively promoting and consistently broadcasting cricket across
Canada.
“We already have long-term agreements with ATN for live
games from various countries and are delighted to enter into
this exclusive agreement with ATN on Cricket Plus for Canada”.
Along with cricket coverage the channel will also broadcast
daily highlights, sports news bulletins as well as other sports
relating to the South Asian community living in the United
States and Canada, such as field hockey. Cricket Plus has
acquired the rights to broadcast live, all major international
men’s and women’s hockey world cup and champions
trophies.
It will also showcase Canadian cricket events, talk shows
on cricket and cricket celebrity specials.
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