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.
