ICC Champions Trophy 2009 comes to a TV set near you
The ICC Champions Trophy 2009 about to get underway in South Africa will be broadcast in 183 territories it was confirmed today,
The 14-day tournament will feature the top eight-ranked teams as the world's best players take part in nation-versus-nation action. And with tickets for the big event fast disappearing, fans who are unable to support their teams at the grounds will be afforded the best possible coverage courtesy of the ICC's global broadcaster partner ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) and its licencees.
All 15 matches will be covered by ESS and the commentary team will be made up of some of the most insightful minds and recognisable voices in the game including Ravi Shastri, Harsha Bhogle, Sanjay Manjrekar, Wasim Akram, Ranil Abeynaike, Nick Knight, Bob Willis, Ian Chappell, Simon Doull, Kepler Wessels, Shaun Pollock, Alan Wilkins and Ian Bishop.
Former Pakistan captain Akram said: "The ICC Champions Trophy will see the revival of One-Day International cricket which has come in for some unfair criticism of late. I'm sure it'll be an exciting event as the top eight one-day sides in the world compete against each other where the champion team walks away with prize money of US$2million."
Former Australia captain and now ESS commentator Chappell said: "I'm delighted the Champions Trophy has become a prestigious tournament with just the top eight teams fighting for the prize. It appears to be a very open tournament with at least four sides in with a good chance of winning the trophy."
Former India player Shastri said: "Every match in this event counts. It is the best against the best and will undoubtedly showcase some top quality international cricket. I believe the success of this tournament will reaffirm the importance of 50-over cricket."
Every match will be covered live by 26 cameras, six HawkEye cameras and a state-of-the art EVS replay system. Following on from the success at the ICC World Twenty20 England 2009, ESS will also continue with its revolutionary camera angle showing the running between the wickets.
"The ICC Champions Trophy is a prestigious event pitting the best teams in the world against each other and this will surely attract the best cricket fans across the world to watch these matches," said ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.
"Apart from providing great competition and entertainment, the ICC Champions Trophy is one of the ways we would like to showcase our great sport of cricket across the world.
"ESS's unrivaled coverage of the event brings the game alive in millions of homes and helps to create an interest where there was none while reinforcing the passion where it already exists."
ESS Managing Director Manu Sawhney said: "As the best players from the top cricketing nations get together in South Africa to compete for the ultimate honors at the ICC Champions Trophy, we are committed to showcasing this exciting action to cricket fans all around the world in the most entertaining manner through our engaging presentation."