Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has strengthened its cricket portfolio with the acquisition of exclusive television and digital media rights for India’s upcoming tour of Ireland in 2026.
Under the agreement, Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV will exclusively broadcast the two-match T20I series, bringing Indian cricket fans comprehensive coverage of Team India’s campaign on Irish soil across television and digital platforms.
The acquisition further expands SPNI’s cricket offerings and reinforces its focus on premium live sports content. By adding India’s Ireland tour to its sports portfolio, the network aims to deepen engagement with cricket audiences and extend access to international cricket beyond marquee tournaments and traditional bilateral series.
The tour is expected to feature a blend of established names and emerging talent while reflecting the growing cricketing relationship between India and Ireland. The Indian squad, led by Shreyas Iyer with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain, includes players such as Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Prasidh Krishna and batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Fans can expect multi-platform coverage supported by expert analysis, multilingual commentary, and enhanced viewing experiences across television and streaming.
Commenting on the acquisition, Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer and Business Head – Sports and International, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), said, “Indian cricket continues to unite and inspire millions of fans, and we are delighted to bring this exciting Ireland tour exclusively to viewers across Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality cricket content throughout the year and further strengthens our position as a premier destination for live sports. As Team India continues to captivate audiences wherever it plays, we remain focused on bringing fans closer to the game with world-class production, expert coverage, and a seamless viewing experience across platforms.”
Sarah Keane, CEO, Cricket Ireland, said, “We are delighted that SPNI will bring this exciting series into millions of homes across India. When we hosted India Men in 2022, the broadcast became the most-watched sporting event ever staged in Ireland. We hope this year’s series can match or even surpass that success, while showcasing the strength of Irish cricket and the outstanding setting of Stormont in Northern Ireland to a global audience.”
The latest acquisition adds another premium cricket property to SPNI’s expanding sports portfolio and underscores the broadcaster’s continued investment in delivering live sporting action to audiences across India and the subcontinent.
Viewers will be able to watch every match from India’s tour of Ireland live and exclusively on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV.
