Live coverage of IPL matches will be broadcast free-to-air on ITV4 and simulcast live on ITV.com, starting with the fourth season of the competition, which will run from April 8 through to May 28.
ITV4 carried last season’s IPL after striking a late deal to air the tournament, but the new agreement has been announced after ITV increased its commitment to cricket by broadcasting highlights of England’s 2010-11 Ashes, Twenty20 and one-day international series in Australia.
“ITV4 has a fast growing reputation for broadcasting sport and, after a terrific audience response to our coverage of last year’s competition and more recently the winter Ashes series, I’m delighted that we have secured a new four-year deal for free-to-air coverage of the Indian Premier League,” said ITV’s controller of sport, Niall Sloane.
Nimbus chief operating officer Yannick Colaco added: “We are delighted to partner with one of UK’s biggest commercial broadcasters, ITV, to telecast the IPL in UK. We look forward to a fruitful partnership and an exciting IPL season four.”
The channel’s sports line-up includes live UEFA Europa League, Tour de France and British Touring Cars and highlights of Rugby’s Aviva Premiership, Heineken Cup and LV Cup.
