ESPN Star Sports acquires broadcast rights of Hong Kong Cricket Sixes for 3 years

MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports has acquired the broadcast rights of Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes for a three-year period starting with the 2011 edition.

The rights cover non-standard TV, Internet as well as the mobile domain.

Star Cricket, the dedicated cricket channel from the ESPN Star Sports bouquet, will broadcast the action live and exclusive on 29 and 30 October. This year the Karp Group Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2011 will be played at the historic Kowloon Cricket Club from 28 to 30 October.

The 2011 edition of the tournament will have 12 teams. The All Stars have been drawn with Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Scotland in Pool A. Defending champions Australia are in Pool B with England, Bangladesh and Ireland while Pool C comprises last year?s losing finalists Pakistan, South Africa, India and Hong Kong.

Some of the leading stars who would be seen in action include Sanath Jayasuriya, Shahid Afridi, Shaun Tait, Herschelle Gibbs, Abdul Razzaq, Jacob Oram and the International Cricket Council?s Affiliate Player of the Year, Ryan Ten Doeschate of the Netherlands.

The Indian team for the tournament is yet to be announced.