The deal - at $8.77m per match on average – covers 25 matches that will be played over a five years with an average of five matches per year.
The rights comprise television, radio and Internet, running from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2011. It also includes media rights for the upcoming Indo-Pak Friendship Series in Abu Dhabi.
In the first year Zee Sports will pay the BCCI (the Board of Control for Cricket in India) $5.04m per match, $6.03m per match in the second year, $6.66m per match in the third year, $8.11m in the fourth year and $18m per match in the fifth year.
The 25 matches will involve mainly Pakistan as the opposition, but will also include top international sides such as Australia and England.
Himanshu Mody, business head Zee Sports, said: “We believe that this is a great deal for Zee Sports, as ODIs are of greater interest to viewers than test matches. Overseas locations will mean prime time viewing for Indian audiences. The overseas locations will also give us greater leverage in international markets.”
