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Nimbus spots buyer for TV rights for England series

February 23, 2006 10:30 IST

Five days after it bagged the $612 million global media rights for Indian cricket for four years, Nimbus Communications today identified a buyer for satellite rights for the upcoming England's test and one-day series, commencing on March 1.

Harish Thawani, chairman and managing director, Nimbus Communications, told Business Standard, "We have finalised out partner and the contract is being drafted. We would make a joint announcement tomorrow (on Thursday)."

According to sources close to the development, the partner is likely to be Zee Telefilms. The deal is estimated to be Rs 250-300 crore (Rs 2.5-3 billion).

Himanshu Mody, executive vice-president, Zee Sports, said, "We have not finalised anything as yet and are still in negotiations."

"No decision has been taken as to who will buy the satellite rights," said Thawani.

On Tuesday, BBC bagged exclusive radio rights for all international tours to be held in India for four years. This includes the next month's England series too.

The deal allows BBC to broadcast live commentary across any of its radio networks for a total of 10 series. The current England tour will be aired live on Test Match Special on BBC Five Live Sports Extra and Radio 4LW.

Sonali Krishna in Mumbai
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