ICC cricket for Global Eagle
January 18, 2017
By Chris Forrester
In-flight entertainment supplier Global Eagle (GEE) has signed an agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to show telecasts of major games on its partner airlines and to cruise ship customers.
The ICC has granted GEE worldwide rights to provide 1,140 hours of live cricket programming over a four-year period, from 2016-2019. The 2017 Champions Trophy and 2019 Cricket World Cup are among the 172 important events to be offered.
“Cricket is a leading global sport, and the ICC broadcasts will be well received by devoted fans and newcomers alike,” said Jim Griffiths, senior vice president, content distribution and purchasing, of GEE. “We are particularly excited that one of the world’s most viewed events, the Cricket World Cup, is among the broadcasts.”
“A key component of the ICC strategy is to create an environment where cricket is exciting to play and watch, while improving the quality and reach of the international game. Our partnership with GEE enables us to expand our live broadcast reach to include airline and maritime audiences across the globe which is an exciting opportunity,” said Campbell Jamieson, ICC General Manager – Commercial.
The announcement builds on GEE’s growing portfolio of sporting events agreements. Last year, the company signed separate global distribution contracts with Lagardère Sports and Premiership Rugby to broadcast telecasts of their popular sporting events.
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 105 members, the ICC governs and administrates the game and is responsible for the staging of major international tournaments including the ICC World Cup and Women’s World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Men’s and Women’s World T20.