HC won't allow unauthorised broadcast of India-Aus matches

New Delhi, Dec 24 (UNI) The Delhi High Court has directed cable operators across the country to refrain from 'unauthorise' broadcasting of cricket matches for India's tour of Australia starting on December 26.

ESPN had filed a suit before the High Court seeking a permanent injunction to cable operators across the country, claiming that it had the sole and exclusive rights from Cricket Australia (CA) to telecast CA properties exclusively in India.

Justice Sanjay Kishen Kaul restrained the 100 named cable operators from transmitting or telecasting in any manner whatsoever without license from ESPN.

The said cable operators have been restrained from telecasting, transmitting Fox Sports and Super Sports or any other channel or in any other manner infringing the copyright, re-broadcast right of ESPN STAR Sports.

The Court has also injuncted unnamed cable operators who may be found to be indulging in cable piracy of the cricket matches.

The High Court has also permitted ESPN to take action against all other cable operators found to be utilising the feed of ESPN and STAR Cricket without license.

India will play a four-match Test series against Australia and triangular ODI tournament involving Sri Lanka as third team as well as a Twenty20 match against Australia.

Star Cricket will exclusively telecast the Test series while Star Sports will broadcast the triangular ODI tournament.

UNI