According to a press release by Cricket Ireland, it has on Monday announced HBV Studios as its livestream partner for a period of three years with around 40 matches being broadcasted alone during 2021. It will be the largest number of elite cricket games to ever be covered by livestream in Ireland.
The improved livestream service will give coverage to all women’s home internationals, Ireland Wolves matches, Inter-Provincial Series and Super Series fixtures, along with men’s home internationals that are not scheduled to be broadcast.
In addition, many of the games being live streamed will have multi-camera coverage and commentary, and fans will also be able to follow the matches through the interactive match centre which will have highlight clips and real-time statistics.
Warren Deutrom, Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland, said: “Our purpose is to grow the sport, and visibility of our talented men’s and women’s cricketers is an essential component of that. Despite the challenges of 2020, we launched our new interactive match centre and provided livestream access to all Inter-Provincial Series and Super Series fixtures, as well as the Clear Currency All-Ireland T20 Cup Final. In tandem with our partners at HBV, we have been working hard to improve this service year-on-year for our fans globally, and today is a major step forward in that goal.”
“A key commitment in our recently launched Strategic Plan 2021-2023 is to raise the profile of the women’s game in Ireland. This announcement today will help us take a big step in that direction by allowing us to bring Ireland Women’s home internationals and the Super Series to fans during these COVID-restricted times.”
Heatley Tector, proprietor of HBV Studios Ltd. said: “We’re delighted to sign this three-year agreement with Cricket Ireland – one of the largest of its kind between any National Governing Body and broadcaster in Ireland. To be able to stream up to 40 games this year I believe will have an enormous impact on cricket throughout Ireland.”
“I am particularly looking forward to broadcasting so many women’s games and it will be a great privilege to show the Irish cricketing public and fans of cricket worldwide just how talented our young female cricketers are.”
An expert commentary panel will also be announced ahead of the season. Bonus content and interviews from many games will be available on Cricket Ireland’s website and social media channels.
