ICC to issue media rights tenders next week

Dubai, Oct 5 (UNI) The International Cricket Council (ICC) said it will issue formal tenders next week for sponsorship rights of its events for the 2007-15 period.

The world governing body for cricket said it has completed the preliminary negotiation process with broadcasters and media agencies for sponsorship rights for major ICC events during the eight-year period starting from the end of next year's World Cup.

''We have now completed the first phase of a fair, transparent and accountable process and we will issue the formal Invitation to tender next week,'' ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said in a statement.

''We have been delighted with the interest shown in the next package of rights by broadcasters and media rights agencies from all over the world.

''It is very gratifying to see strong interest from many broadcasters and agencies that have not previously had an involvement in cricket,'' he said.

''This is an important time for ICC and our Members as we seek to get the best possible deal for the rights surrounding our events between 2007 and 2015. The income generated from this process will support the continued development of cricket globally and is an extremely important source of revenue for our Members,'' Mr Speed added.

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