MARGATE/FL – USA: In a historic move, Island TV will show the popular US Open T20 tournament this year.
Chairman of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) Mahammad Qureshi and Fred Bilard inked a deal whereby Island TV will take the coverage to 17 countries, 16 in the Caribbean and one in America. The 16 Caribbean countries include Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Antigua, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, Dominica, St. Vincent, Anguilla, Bahamas and the Virgin Islands.
The production will be done by the experienced staff of MaqTV and this will be fed to Island TV for distribution.
According to Bilard: “This is the first time we are taking cricket at this level to our viewers and we are excited about it. We intend to work closely with MaqTV and Mr. Qureshi to bring that extra element which is the sport of cricket to our many viewers.”
Qureshi, who is also a cricket administrator said: “We are always looking to spread the game of cricket and this is a great opportunity to increase the viewership. We like the set up we have seen at Island TV and we are grateful for the partnership.”
In addition to showing the US Open T20 tournament ‘live’ in December, Island TV will also televise a new program called ‘Free Hit Cricket59’ produced by MaqTV. This program which kicks off on September 5 at 5.30pm and will be aired twice a week, also at 5.30pm on Thursdays. Also every Sunday from 12noon to 2 pm there will be cricket shown on Island TV and this will be produced by MaqTV as well.
