IPL signs deal with Google to show live cricket on internet

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) today signed a groundbreaking two-year deal with Google, which will see live cricket broadcast on the internet.

According to the deal, all the 60 matches in the third season starting from March 12 can be watched on the internet giant's YouTube platform.
Under the terms of the agreement, Google will have the exclusive online rights for IPL contents. The two bodies would share revenues from sponsorships and advertising on www.youtube.com/ipl, IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi announced at a press conference here.
''There will be a delay of five minutes between the TV broadcast and live streaming on YouTube in India. Our aim to take the IPL globally will be fulfilled by this partnership,'' Modi said.
According to the IPL Chairman and Commissioner, the synergy between the Twenty20 League and Google will make the tournament a truly global event as anyone from anywhere in the world, with a computer and net connection, can watch the action for free.
''This is a path-breaking move. No other sporting organisation has done this. This will transform organisations around the world.
Consumers will decide how they wish to watch the match as they can use any of the multiple feeds to view the on-field action, unlike on TV where the producer decides the angles,'' Modi said.
The agreement is part of the IPL's global expansion strategy.
This is the first time Google is live streaming a mega cricket tournament, spanning 60 matches over 45 days, for a major global sport on YouTube.
This partnership also marks a first-of-its-kind innovation in live streaming of any global cricketing event providing boundary-less access to the billions of fans across the world, except in USA where re-broadcast options will be available, it was announced.
In addition to live streaming of matches on YouTube, Google will also host a special IPL branded Orkut Community which will host live chats with Man of the Match, team owners, contests and match polls to engage fans and audiences while the tournament is on, it was announced on the occasion.