As a tech enthusiast who has always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and conventional industries, the recent news of Amazon acquiring Major League Cricket MLC broadcast rights in Australia and New Zealand for the 2024 season piqued my interest. This development marks a significant milestone not just for tech giant Amazon, but for cricket lovers across the globe. #MajorLeagueCricket
The Big Catch
The US-based Twenty20 Major League Cricket is gaining momentum and popularity, and Amazon Prime Video has secured an exclusive contract to broadcast all 25 games of the 2024 season in Australia and New Zealand. This deal effectively turns the streaming service into a one-stop destination for cricket fans in these regions.
The Contract Details
The contract stipulates that every single game will be available on Prime Video, and there will be no additional costs to subscribers who already have a Prime or Prime Video membership. This accessibility aims to bring the global cricket community closer together, fostering shared excitement and enthusiasm.
The Context
The MLC season is known for featuring numerous international players from Australia and New Zealand, including Australia’s test and one-day-international skipper Pat Cummins, batter Steve Smith, and New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra.
This is not the first time Amazon Prime Video has ventured into cricket broadcasting. Last year, Prime Video acquired the exclusive live rights to International Cricket Council ICC tournaments, including the recently concluded men’s T20 World Cup and the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup. Additionally, MLC games will also be broadcasted on various US regional sports networks.
The Commentary
“We are thrilled to announce Prime Video as our broadcast partner for Major League Cricket in New Zealand and Australia,” said Vijay Srinivasan, MLC chief executive. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey to grow the season, which is in its second year, as well as bring the excitement of cricket to fans across the globe.”
Hushidar Kharas, head of Prime Video for Australia and New Zealand, shared the enthusiasm, “The feedback from cricket fans in Australia for our first major event, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, has been really positive, and we are delighted to expand our live sports offering through the Major League Cricket.”
What’s Next?
The MLC season has already seen five games, with the next fixture between the Los Angeles Knight Riders and the Seattle Orcas slated for the 9th of July. As the cricketing world waits with bated breath for the next delivery, this partnership is sure to bowl cricket enthusiasts over.
One thing is clear – with this acquisition, Amazon Prime Video is strategically positioning itself as a key player in the world of sports broadcasting. And for fans of the game like me, this partnership represents an exciting new era of cricket consumption.
Picture credit: CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
