Ten Cricket: A Comprehensive Look at the Cricket-Dedicated Sports Channel

Introduction

Ten Cricket was a dedicated sports television channel that focused exclusively on cricket broadcasts, serving as a prime destination for cricket enthusiasts across South Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets. Launched as part of the Ten Sports network, it gained immense popularity due to its exclusive cricket coverage, high-definition broadcasts, and expert-driven analysis. Over the years, Ten Cricket became synonymous with top-tier cricket action, airing international matches, domestic leagues, and expert-driven pre- and post-match discussions.

History and Evolution

Ten Cricket was launched in 2009 as a specialized cricket channel under Ten Sports, a network owned by Taj Television Ltd. The channel quickly gained traction, particularly in cricket-loving nations such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the UAE.

The channel was initially created to exclusively broadcast cricket events, setting itself apart from Ten Sports, which covered multiple sports. Ten Cricket’s programming focused on international cricket matches from countries where Ten Sports held broadcasting rights, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

In 2016, Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) acquired Ten Sports from Zee Entertainment Enterprises, including Ten Cricket, Ten Sports, Ten Action, and Ten Golf. This acquisition marked a shift in branding, as SPN rebranded Ten Cricket and other Ten Sports channels under the Sony umbrella, eventually merging some channels with its existing sports network.

By 2017, Ten Cricket was discontinued, with its content integrated into Sony Six and Sony Ten channels, forming part of a broader sports network that continued to offer top-tier cricket coverage.

Programming and Coverage

Ten Cricket was renowned for its exclusive cricket broadcasting rights and diverse programming that catered to cricket fans worldwide. The channel’s content included:

1. International Cricket Broadcasts

Ten Cricket held exclusive rights to telecast live international matches from multiple cricket boards, including:

  • Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
  • Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC)
  • West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)
  • Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC)
  • South African Cricket Board (CSA)

These agreements allowed Ten Cricket to air major bilateral series, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) featuring teams from these countries.

2. Domestic and Franchise Tournaments

Apart from international cricket, Ten Cricket also broadcast popular domestic and franchise leagues, such as:

  • Pakistan Super League (PSL) – One of the biggest T20 leagues featuring international and local stars.
  • Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – A high-energy T20 league featuring the best players from the West Indies.
  • South Africa’s Ram Slam T20 – A major domestic tournament in South Africa.
  • Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) – A short-lived but exciting T20 tournament in Sri Lanka.
  • Momentum One Day Cup – A premier domestic 50-over competition in South Africa.

3. Special Cricket Shows and Analysis

To complement live cricket broadcasts, Ten Cricket aired a range of pre- and post-match analysis shows featuring expert commentators and former cricketers. Some of the popular programs included:

  • Straight Drive – A pre-match and post-match analysis show featuring expert opinions.
  • Match Point – A highlights and review show covering match performances.
  • Inside Cricket – A deep dive into cricketing strategies, statistics, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Ownership and Acquisition by Sony Pictures Networks

Initially, Ten Cricket was part of Taj Television Ltd, which was owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises. However, in 2016, Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) acquired the entire Ten Sports portfolio, including Ten Cricket, in a deal valued at $385 million.

Following the acquisition, Sony strategically integrated Ten Cricket’s rights and content into its existing sports channels, primarily Sony Six and Sony Ten 1-3. This transition was aimed at consolidating SPN’s cricket broadcasting portfolio, allowing it to focus on a streamlined sports network under the Sony Ten brand.

As a result, Ten Cricket was phased out in 2017, with its cricket broadcasting rights continuing under Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, and Sony Six. This move allowed Sony to leverage its broader sports network to reach a wider audience.

Impact and Audience Reception

During its active years, Ten Cricket was widely regarded as one of the top cricket-specific channels, attracting a dedicated fanbase. Cricket lovers appreciated the channel’s comprehensive coverage, high-definition broadcasts, and expert-driven insights.

Key aspects that made Ten Cricket popular included:

  • Exclusive rights to major cricketing nations – Providing uninterrupted access to key international matches.
  • High-quality commentary and analysis – Featuring top cricket analysts and former players.
  • Innovative programming – Unique cricket shows that enhanced fan engagement.
  • Extensive match replays and highlights – Allowing fans to relive key moments of their favorite matches.

Even after its closure, Sony Ten and Sony Six continued to build upon Ten Cricket’s legacy, ensuring that fans still had access to top-tier cricket content.

Future of Cricket Broadcasting and Sony’s Role

With Ten Cricket no longer in operation, Sony Sports Network has continued to expand its cricket coverage, acquiring additional broadcasting rights to major international tournaments and domestic leagues. The network now holds rights to:

  • International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments – Including the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup.
  • England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) matches – Covering England’s home series.
  • Australian Cricket Matches (through collaborations) – Broadcasting key matches from Australia.
  • Indian Premier League (IPL) rights (shared with Star Sports in previous years).

Sony’s sports network has also embraced digital streaming, ensuring that cricket fans can access matches through its OTT platform, SonyLIV. This shift reflects the changing landscape of sports broadcasting, with more viewers consuming content online.

Conclusion

Ten Cricket played a crucial role in cricket broadcasting history, delivering high-quality live coverage, insightful analysis, and exclusive match rights. While the channel was discontinued in 2017, its legacy continues through Sony Ten and Sony Six, which carry forward the tradition of world-class cricket coverage.

With the evolving landscape of digital and television sports broadcasting, Sony Sports Network remains committed to providing cricket fans with unparalleled access to their favorite matches, leagues, and tournaments, ensuring that the spirit of Ten Cricket lives on through cutting-edge technology, expert-driven insights, and global reach.