<ul><li>This year's IPL came as a respite to eager fans who have had to await a long absence of cricket. </li><li>As a result, <keyword id="2048958" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cricbuzz">Cricbuzz</keyword> has also saw a significant jump in users and traffic.</li></ul>IPL 2020, one of the most awaited events finally started on 19th September 2020 in the UAE. This year's IPL came as a respite to eager fans who have had to await a long absence of cricket. BCCI secretary Jay Shah, on Twitter, shared that 20-crore people watched the opening match of IPL 2020. Indian cricket news website and mobile app, Cricbuzz, also saw a significant jump in users and traffic. The initial week of the IPL season saw a 15% growth in DAUs and a massive 115% increase in video views on Cricbuzz. Over 80 million users used Cricbuzz in the first 10 days of this IPL season. The most exciting match of the season was <keyword id="6354506" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Royal-Challengers-Bangalore">Royal Challengers Bangalore</keyword> versus <keyword id="13880" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mumbai-Indians">Mumbai Indians</keyword>, where MI pushed the contest against RCB to a Super Over – Cricbuzz witnessed 20% higher consumption than the average consumption of first 10 matches of IPL 2020. This recent spike has further consolidated Cricbuzz’s position at the summit of top cricket apps. Pankaj Chhaparwal, CEO of Cricbuzz said, “The global pandemic had starved the country of cricketing action. The IPL has come as a welcome change and lifted everybody’s spirits. Given its leadership in cricket content, Cricbuzz has witnessed a surge that surpassed our expectations. We are expecting the growth curve to accelerate as the tournament progresses and we’ll aim to give audiences the most relevant and compelling cricket content.”

Over 80 million users used Cricbuzz in the first 10 days of this IPL season

<ul><li><keyword id="2048958" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cricbuzz">Cricbuzz</keyword> launches a rap song called '<keyword id="9979525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ab-cricket-buzzega">Ab Cricket Buzzega</keyword>.'</li><li>The campaign is released in association with WATConsult.</li></ul>Cricbuzz has launched a new campaign celebrating the start of the much-delayed <keyword id="7463791" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ipl-2020">IPL 2020</keyword>. The film “Ab Cricket Buzzega” comes with a catchy rap song that highlights how this short form extravaganza will be a welcome relief to cricket fans during the <keyword id="8902449" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-pandemic">COVID-19 pandemic</keyword>. The brand in association with WATConsult, the hybrid digital agency from the house of <keyword id="6368370" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="dentsu-aegis-network">Dentsu Aegis Network</keyword> (DAN) India, released the film on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3xmrJtDkmE&amp;t=17s&amp;ab_channel=Cricbuzz">digital platforms</a>. Through the campaign, Cricbuzz announces the return of the much-loved tournament that comes just in time to rescue fans from the boredom caused by the COVID-19 restrictions that had put a halt on all cricket globally. The first half of the film presents a slice-of-life in the day of a bored cricket fan. In the second half, Cricbuzz promises the excitement that comes every year with the IPL - live scores, ball by ball commentary, analysis (Cricbuzz Live), interesting match facts and news. Cricbuzz CEO, Pankaj Chhaparwal, said, “This IPL season is probably the most important, as it happens after a long hiatus and in the middle of a global crisis. Ab Cricket Buzzega is quite refreshing and I hope it will raise the spirits of our audience during these difficult times. Through the campaign, our priority is to keep up the excitement for our users who cannot be at the ground to cheer their teams” Commenting on the campaign, <keyword id="2705388" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Heeru-Dingra">Heeru Dingra</keyword>, CEO, WATConsult, says, “IPL is one of the most awaited Cricket tournaments in our country that indeed binds cricket and entertainment together. #AbCricketBuzzega creatively words the emotions of every cricket fan that is eagerly waiting to switch on their TV and cherish every moment of the sport, especially amidst the current pandemic. The charged-up rap and catchy chorus of the video makes it highly engaging, enumerating the several ways Cricbuzz makes the cricket season even more exhilarating and buzzworthy.” For an Indian cricket fan, Cricket is finally coming back with IPL 2020. Given that this year the tournament will be played behind closed doors in the UAE, ardent cricket fans will turn to television and mobile apps to seek all cricket related entertainment and news. Cricbuzz has planned an “allrounder” strategy for users to explore and have fun with content. <div type="Youtube" id="i3xmrJtDkmE" title="#AbCricketBuzzega" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/i3xmrJtDkmE/mqdefault.jpg"></div>

Cricbuzz celebrates the start of IPL 2020 with a catchy rap

It was a big payday for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the e-auction of IPL Media Rights for the 2023-2027 cycle, earning INR 48,390.32 crore overall from the three-day event to decide who will broadcast the T20 extravaganza in India and around the world. While <keyword id="6355599" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="star" source="Orion">Star</keyword> India retained TV Rights in the Indian subcontinent for INR 23,575 crore, Viacom18 shelled out INR 23,758 crore to claim digital rights (packages B &amp; C) for the same region. Viacome18 further won the Australia, South Africa, and United Kingdom rights while Times Internet bagged MENA (the Middle East and North America) &amp; USA rights. Former Nimbus CEO Harish Thawani spoke to IANS about what he thought of the media rights auction, the spending on TV and digital rights as well as the overseas market. Excerpts:- Q: Star India retained the TV rights, but let go of the digital ones. How do you see this? Thawani: Star has been the most sensible and the smartest bidder. They have the incumbent knowledge and know that TV is where the money is. They retained the TV, drove the price for digital and then told Viacom18, 'acha bhai, aap le jaao. Ab mehanga ho gaya zyada' (Okay brother, you take it. The price has gone very high). I think Star's TV rights bid in the circumstances of such competitive bidding, is measured and calculated. I believe that if they execute their plans well, it will be at least break even and maybe somewhat profitable for them on the TV rights in India. Q: The biggest talking point from the auction was digital rights for the Indian subcontinent going for a very high price and eventually taken by Viacom18. How do you assess this trend of going big on digital rights? A: On Viacom18, who bid for digital, I think it is over-exuberant and definitely, they will struggle to reach break-even. In my view, they could end up picking up a significant loss on profit and loss. Maybe there is a strategic view on taking up with a long-term interest in mind. From a pure P&amp;L point of view, they could lose as much as five to seven thousand crore. They (Viacom18) have overbid like it's an over-exuberant offer. It's a miscalculation; it's wrong and incorrect, they should not have extended it so much. Some experts I heard on TV and other places say it's an egoistic and irrational bid. I can see why it's getting reactions like that. In my view, it's a bid that does not make any sense. When people say digital has grown, no. The foolishness in digital bidding is dominating. Of course, digital has grown, nobody is denying it. But is digital bigger than TV in India? It's nonsense. Any industry participant will tell you that is not correct. Q: In overseas IPL rights, many companies like Sky Sports in the UK, and Fox Sports in Australia didn't come up to claim the rights. Why do think they shied away from this? A: Remember that Sky Sports in the UK and Fox Sports in Australia are largely subscription-driven channels. In those markets, the IPL is not a driver of subscriptions because, in those markets, these channels are aimed at the local population. In England, football dominates, dominates and dominates. Cricket is not even number two. Anyways, Sky Sports has English cricket, World Cup and Ashes rights. IPL makes no difference to them so much from a subscription point of view and occupies too much space. It's occupying 74 matches for whatever days in a row, coming in at a time that runs into UK prime time. On weekends, Sky Sports can't afford that as they have English Premier League. So, there is a conflict in scheduling and adds little value to the subscription base. All foreign territories have been taken by the Indian broadcasters, which reflects the inadequate ability of the BCCI and its advisors to attract some companies from the overseas markets. Q: Apart from Star and Viacom18, Times Internet has signed up as an overseas broadcaster for the MENA and US region. How do you see this development? A: Times owns Willow TV region, which is now a large streaming service for cricket. It's largely a streaming service, which makes sense for them. Now they have their own placement, the streaming platform of Willow TV, and also they own Cricbuzz, which is the number two cricket site amongst the Indian diaspora. They will now use it for themselve' and I can imagine that Willow TV's footprint has grown in other parts of the world too. I don't know if in MENA, they will keep everything for themselves or whether they will do a partnership with one of the platforms there, that remains to be seen. But their ownership of Willow TV puts them in a good position to utilise these rights. They will do well; they got it cheap. Q: With IPL media rights going for a really high price, there could be an increase in more advertising space and ad slots rates. How do you see the working of IPL advertising revenue in the upcoming cycle? A: Inventory remains the same. Of course, the ad rates will have to be pushed and that's a consequence when ad rates get pushed in a growing economy every year. There will be a greater push as the rights have gone up. But not by much. I have spoken to several advertisers; they are not so worried. They are already paying 10 lakh for 10-second slots. 10 ka 11 ho jayega, de denge (10 lakh will become 11 lakh, they will give). SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/this-dao-startup-founder-tells-why-he-partners-with-people-who-are-not-just-thinking-of-pumping-up-the-price/articleshow/92248986.cms">EXCLUSIVE: This DAO startup founder tells why he partners with people who are not ‘just’ thinking of pumping up the price</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/upi-and-rupay-cards-will-soon-be-accepted-in-france/articleshow/92247190.cms">You will soon be able to use UPI in France in addition to UAE, Singapore</a>

Star is the most sensible and smartest bidder and Viacom18's bid is over exuberant says expert

Former India captain <keyword id="6359039" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="sourav-ganguly" source="Orion">Sourav Ganguly</keyword>, who is soon going to become a former <keyword id="6354756" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bcci" source="Orion">BCCI</keyword> president, has fallen out of favour with the board and is reportedly ending his term on a 'disappointing' note. During the upcoming BCCI AGM and elections on October 18, most members of the outgoing administration are set to find places in the new dispensation, barring <keyword id="6505" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ganguly" source="Orion">Ganguly</keyword> and Jayesh George, the joint secretary. And, Ganguly is not pleased with the developments in the last few days. The former India allrounder Roger Binny on Tuesday filed his nomination for the post of BCCI president and is likely to get elected unopposed since no other candidate has emerged so far as his challenger. As a normal practice, the outgoing BCCI president proposes the name of the upcoming board chief but a dejected Ganguly didn't do the same with Binny. The former cricketer was to himself on Tuesday at the board's office largely, while others were involved in the nomination process, a Cricbuzz report said. "He clearly looked upset, disappointed and dejected," said a member who was present at the BCCI office. The 50-year-old was the last one to leave the BCCI office after the nomination process ended, swiftly getting into his car and rolling up the glasses of the window. Outside the BCCI office, there were also murmurs among state representatives about the immediate future of Ganguly. "Back to Kolkata," someone suggested. "Back to <keyword id="66" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="delhi" source="Orion">Delhi</keyword>," another chimed in, hinting that he will go back to the Delhi Capitals franchise of the <keyword id="6354312" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ipl" source="Orion">IPL</keyword>, as a director. The report further said that Ganguly was told that his performance did not live up to the expectations although the official reason is that there is no precedent of a president holding two full terms, during an informal meeting among the senior past and current administrators from prominent state associations before the nomination day. Another reason for Ganguly not continuing at the coveted post is that the sponsors of Indian cricket boards were not happy with the cricketer, who endorses rival brands. The matter was often discussed among the members. Overall, the BCCI seems to have moved on from Ganguly which also means he is unlikely to be its candidate for the ICC Chair, the election for which is next month. It has been also learnt that Ganguly was offered the post of IPL chairman. However, the former left-handed batter politely declined the offer. His logic was that he cannot accept becoming head of a sub-committee in the BCCI after heading the same institution. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/delhi-hc-asks-railways-to-file-status-report-on-quality-of-water-supplied-to-passengers/articleshow/94810991.cms">Delhi HC asks Railways to file status report on quality of water supplied to passengers</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/all-you-need-to-know-about-justice-dy-chandrachud-the-harvard-graduate-who-could-become-indias-next-cji/slidelist/94806080.cms">All you need to know about Justice DY Chandrachud - the Harvard graduate who could become India’s next CJI</a>

BCCI chief Ganguly left 'disappointed and dejected' after falling out of favour

New Delhi, Feb 23 (IANS) A total of 70 league matches in the upcoming <keyword id="4699266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ipl-2022" source="Orion">IPL 2022</keyword> is likely to be played across four different venues in Maharashtra. The three venues -- Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium and DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai are likely to host 55 matches while 15 could be played in the MCA International Stadium in Pune during the league phase of <keyword id="6354312" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL" source="Orion">IPL</keyword> 2022, a Cricbuzz report said. And, all teams are set to play four games each at the Wankhede, DY Patil Stadium and three apiece at Brabourne and Pune. Meanwhile, there are two start dates being contemplated. The official broadcaster -- Star Sports wants to start the league on March 26, Saturday while the BCCI had earlier suggested March 27 to begin the proceedings. It has been also learnt that Star has been insisting on a Saturday start as it wants to set the momentum for the league with a double header on March 27, a Sunday, which, otherwise, would not be possible. On Monday (March 28), there cannot be a double-header unless it is a national holiday. In either scenario, the tournament is set to wrap up on Sunday, May 29. However, the venues for the playoffs are yet to be decided. A final decision on the venues and dates could be taken in the IPL governing council meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 24.

IPL 2022: Maharashtra to host 70 matches across four venues, says report

<ul><li>The Sanjiv Goenka-led RPSG group has bagged the Lucknow franchise of the IPL.</li><li>Goenka is happy about the purchase and confident that the investment will be profitable.</li><li>Here’s everything you need to know about the Kolkata-based business tycoon.</li></ul>The Sanjiv Goenka-led RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG) has bagged the new Lucknow franchise in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) for a whopping ₹7,090 crore – close to a billion dollars – marking a return for the company to the world's biggest T20 league. The RPSG group was founded by <keyword id="6355523" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sanjiv-goenka" source="Orion">Sanjiv Goenka</keyword> in 2011, after RPG Enterprises, founded by his father Rama Prasad Goenka, was divided between Sanjiv and Harsh Goenka. The RPSG group is a Kolkata-based conglomerate and its major businesses include CESC, a power generation and distribution company, the 120-year-old music company Saregama and the recently launched snacks brand Too Yumm! The company also operates Spencer’s retail chain, Nature’s Basket, Woodlands Hospital, Harrisons Malayalam and several other companies, making it a total of 22 companies. According to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/sanjiv-goenka/?sh=541d14966301">Forbes</a>, Sanjiv Goenka has a net worth of $2.7B (approx. ₹20,250 crore). The RPSG group reported a revenue of ₹26,634 crore as on March 31, 2021 and has assets worth over ₹47,000 crore. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Goenka’s love for sports" comment="subhead" text="Goenka’s love for sports">Goenka’s love for sports</cmsannotation> For Sanjiv Goenka, winning the bid for Lucknow may not be just an investment. Goenka’s love for sports is evident from his other ventures as well. <div type="image" title="E5E3B7AD-FE67-4B15-87BE-3FE36E975B49" msid="87277605" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sanjiv Goenka with Robbie Keane.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Sanjiv Goenka holds a stake in the ATK Mohun Bagan football club, which is a part of the Indian Super League (ISL). Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also a co-owner of the ATK Mohun Bagan. The group is also involved in table tennis and owns the RPSG Mavericks Kolkata, which is part of India’s biggest table tennis league, the Ultimate Table Tennis League. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Sanjiv Goenka’s second stint in IPL" comment="subhead" text="Sanjiv Goenka’s second stint in IPL">Sanjiv Goenka’s second stint in IPL</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4A1F6760-2CCE-41A2-A1E1-4D8BDC7B4640" msid="87277431" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Sanjiv Goenka in Rising Pune Super Giants jersey.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> Sanjiv Goenka’s RPSG is no stranger to the Indian Premier League – it had a two-year stint in the IPL after it bagged the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise for IPL 2016 and 2017, after Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the tournament for two years. Since 2017, Goenka has been eyeing a return to the IPL. In 2016, the team had an average outing, ending up seventh on the table with just five wins. After this, Goenka took the bold decision of dropping Mahendra Singh Dhoni from captaincy and handed over the reins to Steve Smith. This decision turned out well for the team and the team went on to the finals, losing the title to Mukesh Ambani’s Mumbai Indians by the barest of margins – just 1 run. Goenka has returned to IPL with the acquisition of IPL’s latest franchise, Lucknow. The RPSG group had bid for Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Indore. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="We’ve done our math, says Goenka" comment="subhead" text="We’ve done our math, says Goenka">We’ve done our math, says Goenka</cmsannotation> Soon after the BCCI announced that the RPSG group had won the bid for the Lucknow franchise, Goenka spoke to Cricbuzz. Here are some of the key takeaways from the <a href="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/119559/weve-done-our-math-sanjeev-goenka-after-7090-cr-bid-cricbuzzcom">interview</a>. Speaking about why the group selected Lucknow despite winning the bid for both Ahmedabad and Lucknow, Goenka said, “We have operations in Uttar Pradesh. We do power distribution there. We have a very big presence in the northern state. Closer by in Chandigarh, we have the power distribution rights. So for North India, that becomes like a hinterland.” Goenka also revealed the math behind the decision to bid over ₹7,000 crore for the team. “I will probably be paying only ₹3,500 crore in 10 years. It is because I will be getting ₹3,500 crore from the BCCI from the broadcast rights. In the next five years, I may get more [from the BCCI]. The net present value of that is ₹2,100 crore. That means I have got an IPL team for ₹2,100 crore. Tell me, is it good or not?”. In an <a href="https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/expect-lucknow-ipl-team-to-command-rs-10000-crore-valuation-in-5-years-rpsg-groups-sanjiv-goenka-7625691.html">interview</a> to Moneycontrol, Goenka revealed that he expects the franchise to be worth over ₹10,000 crore in five years. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/meet-girish-mathrubootham-founder-and-ceo-of-freshworks/articleshow/86453777.cms">Girish Mathrubootham, the son of a retired bank officer who built a $13 billion company in just 10 years</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/murali-divi-the-billionaire-scientist-behind-divis-labs-is-richer-by-6-billion-and-counting-since-the-pandemic/articleshow/86749881.cms">Murali Divi, the billionaire scientist behind Divi’s Labs, is richer by $6 billion, and counting, since the pandemic</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/iron-man-vijay-shekhar-sharma-put-his-own-money-on-the-line-to-launch-paytm/articleshow/84468805.cms">‘Iron Man’ Vijay Shekhar Sharma put his own money on the line to launch Paytm — and ten years later the company is ready to go public</a>

Sanjiv Goenka makes a billion dollar comeback to the world's biggest T20 stage

The next edition of the <keyword id="6354831" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="indian-premier-league" source="Orion">Indian Premier League</keyword> (<keyword id="6354312" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ipl" source="Orion">IPL</keyword>), which will be a ten-team affair, is likely to begin on April 2 in Chennai. According to a Cricbuzz report, fixtures have not been finalised but the <keyword id="6354756" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bcci" source="Orion">BCCI</keyword> has internally conveyed to the key stakeholders that the board is planning to start <keyword id="4699266" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IPL-2022" source="Orion">IPL 2022</keyword> on April 2 in Chennai. Since the 15th edition of the cash-rich league will have 10 teams and 74 games in all, the BCCI has discussed internally that the length of the season will be for over 60 days. As a result, the final could be played in the first weekend of June. Notably, each team will have 14 league games with the current format of seven home and away games each retained. As Chennai Super Kings are the defending champions, Chepauk will be the obvious choice for the inaugural game but there is no formal decision whether their opponents will, again, be Mumbai Indians, which has been the case mostly. Earlier, in his speech at CSK's fourth IPL win celebration event, BCCI secretary Jay Shah had announced that the IPL will be returning to India, after the full season of 2020 and a half-season of 2021 were staged in UAE. "I know you all are waiting to see the CSK play at Chepauk. Well, the moment is not very far. The 15th season of the IPL will take place in India and it will be more exciting than ever with two new teams joining. We have a mega auction coming up, so it will be interesting to see what the new combinations look like," the BCCI secretary had said at the function. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/hindustan-petroleum-is-inviting-applications-from-engineering-graduates-for-its-apprenticeship-programme-with-a-monthly-stipend-of-25000/articleshow/87884547.cms">Hindustan Petroleum is inviting applications from engineering graduates for its apprenticeship programme with a monthly stipend of ₹25,000</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/this-fake-rentahitman-website-has-been-receiving-actual-requests-to-take-down-people/articleshow/87884600.cms">This fake RentAHitman website has been receiving actual requests to take down people</a>

IPL 2022 likely to begin on April 2 in Chennai, as per a media report

<img class="gwt-Image" src="/photo/51242185.cms" style="width: 800px; height: 600px;" /> In its first international acquisition, <keyword id="51757" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="TIMES-INTERNET">Times Internet</keyword>, India’s largest digital network and part of The Times of India Group, acquired <keyword id="297885" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Willow-TV">Willow TV</keyword> International, a leading <keyword id="1521" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cricket">cricket</keyword> broadcaster in the US. For Times Internet, Willow is complementary with its recent acquisition of Cricbuzz, the world’s largest online cricket destination. Last year, during the <keyword id="6355164" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="ICC">ICC</keyword> World Cup 2015, Cricbuzz saw over 1 billion visits in a span of 40 days, 96% on mobile. Between Willow, Cricbuzz, and Times of India’s digital assets, the group estimates reaching about 15 million Americans with an interest in cricket. 

	“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Willow to The Times Group. Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, and has the potential to become a major sport in the US. We’re excited to expand and strengthen our offerings for South Asians living in the US, and to grow interest in cricket across the US, both with loyal fans and new consumers,” said Satyan Gajwani, Director, Times Internet.
 

	The timing of the deal is also significant. Starting on March 8th, Willow will exclusively provide a live US television broadcast and live stream of the ICC World Twenty20, the world’s premier Twenty20 cricket tournament. This is the first time an ICC tournament has been available on a US television broadcast channel, expanding its reach beyond the traditional and expensive pay-per-view distribution method. In parallel, Cricbuzz will exclusively deliver pre-match, in-match, and post-match highlights and coverage of the entire tournament to US digital audiences. Willow and Cricbuzz will be the exclusive destinations for this premium content from the ICC World Twenty20tournament, available to millions of Americans across TV and digital.
 

	Vijay Srinivasan, founder and CEO of Willow TV, said: “As a bootstrapped company, we launched the Willow cricket channel just over 5 years ago, and we’re extremely proud of where it has reached. With the backing of The Times of India Group and its assets, I am confident that we can jointly build one of the premier sports businesses in the US.”
 

	Cricket is one of the fastest growing sports in the US, and the second most popular sport in the world behind soccer. Cricket’s popularity worldwide has skyrocketed with the addition of the newer, faster Twenty20 format, where matches complete in a few hours.
 

	Willow is one of the fastest growing sports networks in the U.S, featuring the world’s most popular cricket matches and events. Named after the English willow tree from which cricket bats are made, Willow is the only channel that is dedicated to cricket in the US, with an aligned direct-to-consumer digital service at www.willow.tv.

	 
	 
	(Image credits: reuters)

India’s largest digital network Times Internet saw its first international acquisition

India are all set to host the South Africa team for the five <keyword id="7389867" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="t20-match-series" source="Orion">T20 match series</keyword>, which will be played across the country in June, shortly after the completion of IPL 2022. The BCCI has already confirmed that the IPL will be held in Mumbai and Pune from March 26 to May 29 and just about 10 days later, the <keyword id="18238" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="t20" source="Orion">T20</keyword> series against Proteas will begin. The Apex Council of the BCCI, which met on Wednesday decided on the schedule for the South Africa series and matches are likely to be held from June 9 to 19. During the meeting, the venues were also finalised and Cuttack, Vizag, Delhi, Rajkot and Chennai will host the matches, an Cricbuzz report said. The report also stated that Bengaluru and Nagpur were to get the games in the series but Cuttack and Vizag have been allotted the matches instead, presumably because the two centres missed out on the T20 matches during recent West Indies series. Notably, the BCCI conducted the six matches against West Indies in only two centres -- Ahmedabad and Kolkata -- with an aim to cut down on travel and Covid-19 threat. The Apex Council has also factored in the weather conditions in the country around June and according to information gathered by the board managers (placed before the meeting), there may be slight rain for the first game in Cuttack (as is the seasonal norm in that part of the world at that time of the year). For the second game in Vizag, there is less chance of rain while warm conditions are expected in the other three centres - Delhi, Rajkot and Chennai - during those games. After the South Africa series, Team India will fly to England for an unfinished Test and six white-ball matches. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/amazon-and-future-agree-to-discuss-an-out-of-court-settlement-after-nearly-2-years-of-legal-battle/articleshow/89968120.cms">Amazon and Future agree to discuss an out of court settlement after nearly 2 years of legal battle</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/mukesh-ambanis-reliance-announced-a-partnership-with-sanmina-a-us-based-electronics-manufacturer/articleshow/89960792.cms">Reliance teams up with US-based Sanmina to create a high-tech electronics manufacturing hub in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/mobikwiks-upasana-taku-says-all-the-companies-that-made-their-grand-entry-into-bnpl-will-have-a-grand-exit-too/articleshow/89960652.cms">INTERVIEW: Mobikwik’s Upasana Taku says all the companies that made their grand entry into BNPL will have a grand exit too</a>

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India’s largest digital network Times Internet saw its first international acquisition

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India to host South Africa for five T20Is in June, and all venues have been finalised

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