The Indian men's team are due to tour New Zealand in 2026-27 and 2030-31.

Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has inked a seven-year deal with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) to broadcast all international games in the country for the Indian audience. Currently, international cricket in New Zealand is broadcast in India through Amazon Prime whose deal ends this summer. The Indian men's team are due to tour New Zealand in 2026-27 and 2030-31, thereby making this a lucrative acquisition for Sony Pictures.

The deal, effective from 1st May 2024 to 30th April 2031, will be also be streamed on SPNI's streaming platform Sony LIV. Dwelling on the development, NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink expressed his happiness at linking up with SPN.

"Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative and forward-focussed business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world", said Mr Weenink.

"It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be - values NZC relates to very strongly."

Echoing Weenink's sentiments was NZC's GM Commercial Chris Smith who stressed on the need for tapping on the high-potential Indian markets

"It's fair to say this is a significant commercial agreement," said Mr Smith.

"Sony has a large presence in the Indian market on both linear and digital platforms and we're looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership. It's been a great experience working with the SPNI team while finalising these arrangements.".

New Zealand teams and cricket in the country has had a reasonable following in India over the years. While the streaming right have undergone musical chairs with Amazon currently at the helm of it, SPNI's Chief Revenue Officer - Distribution and International Business and Head of Sports Business, Rajesh Kaul, sounded delighted at the seven-year deal that has been inked with NZC.

"Our constant endeavour has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio, making us a global multi-sporting arena for audiences in India," said Mr Kaul.

"We're looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven-year partnership, including three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, in 2024-25, as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men's team in 2026-27 and 2030-31, respectively."

SPNI's digital rights in India will be shared with Amazon Prime for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.