Sony Pictures Networks India seals exclusive broadcast rights for India’s 2026 Ireland tour

The two-match T20I series will be broadcast exclusively across Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV, as the network doubles down on its cricket portfolio.

Cricket fans have a new series to mark on their calendars. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has secured the exclusive television and digital media rights for India’s 2026 tour of Ireland. The deal ensures that the upcoming two-match T20 International series will be available exclusively on the Sony Sports Network and the streaming platform Sony LIV, rounding out a packed year for the broadcaster.

This acquisition is a strategic move for SPNI, which continues to bolster its cricket credentials beyond the standard high-profile bilateral series. By securing these rights, the network aims to provide year-round engagement for fans, offering not just live match coverage but also expert analysis and multilingual commentary to cater to India's diverse audience.

A blend of youth and experience

The tour arrives at an intriguing time for Indian cricket. The squad set to travel to Irish soil will be led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma stepping in as his deputy. It’s a roster that balances seasoned campaigners like Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh with the promise of emerging talent.

The lineup also features Washington Sundar and Ishan Kishan, signaling a clear intent by the selectors to test depth in white-ball cricket. The anticipation for this tour has been further amplified by the recent headlines surrounding 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose rapid rise and debut call-up have dominated cricket conversations this season.

Why it matters

For SPNI, this deal is less about the size of the series and more about the consistency of their content funnel. While marquee tournaments draw the largest advertising spends, sustained engagement through smaller bilateral tours like the Ireland series helps maintain platform stickiness. As Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer and business head for Sports and International at SPNI, noted, the goal is to position the network as a premier, year-round destination for live sports.

The broader industry trend shows that broadcasters are increasingly aggressive in locking down exclusive rights to smaller, niche tours to ensure they aren't left with gaps in their seasonal sports calendar. For Cricket Ireland, partnering with a massive distribution network like Sony is a vital commercial step to ensure maximum reach for their home games, building on the successful visibility they garnered during the 2022 visit.