MUMBAI: Former India Test cricketer and now a prominent commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar, has signed an exclusive long-term contract with Ten Sports, making him the face of the channel's cricket programming.

As part of his new assignment, Manjrekar will also continue to host several cricket-based shows for Ten Sports like LG Cricket Ratings and a few new ones, which will be announced soon. He will also be a regular contributor to Ten Sports website, www.tensports.com.

Making the announcement, Taj Television Ltd CEO Chris McDonald says, "Considering the fantastic line-up of international cricket we have on Ten Sports over the next few years, we wanted someone who would lead our on-air efforts to ensure maximum viewer satisfaction. We wanted a person who represents the values and strengths of Ten Sports - and Sanjay Manjrekar fits the bill perfectly with his professionalism and quality-consciousness. To add to it, despite his immense first-class cricket experience, he is one of the youngest commentators in cricket today."

Said Sanjay Manjrekar: "I have worked on numerous assignments with Ten Sports and can easily understand how they have reached the leadership position in cricket broadcast in just a short span of two years. I have a very comfortable working relation with them and am looking forward to any new challenge that they have to offer to me."

Ten Sports production head Steve Norris added: "We are delighted to have someone of Sanjay's experience and stature as the anchorman for all of our cricket on Ten Sports. He is well known for his achievements on the cricket ground and that gives him a definite edge behind the microphone."