Indiantelevision.com Team

(30 November 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Even as it is action time at the Indian Cricket League (ICL), Zee Sports has managed to rope in three on-air partners. Microsoft, Havells and Timesjobs have come on board to support the rebel cricket league.

Spots are being sold for Rs 25,000 for 10 seconds, says a Ten Sports executive. Ten Sports, in which Zee acquired 50 per cent stake, is selling airtime on behalf of Zee Sports.

As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, ICL has managed to get on-ground sponsors. The roster includes TVS Motors, Spice Telecom, SAB Miller, Provogue, Thomas Cook and Rishi Cement.

Zee president Satish Menon says that companies like Rashmi
Builders and TVS are sponsoring the different teams. In addition Kinley was recently signed on as the water partner. Provogue is providing the uniforms.

In terms of prize money, ICL will give away Rs 150 million. For the ICL, the winner gets Rs 39 million while the runner-up will get Rs 19 million. For each match, the winner gets Rs 1.8 million while the man of the match gets Rs 375,000.

Dish TV, Zee's demerged direct-to-home business, is also using the ICL event to create awareness about its offerings.