Setanta bag IPL rights for UK

Subscription TV channel Setanta Sports have paid an undisclosed sum to secure the UK rights to the Indian Premier League. The tournament will mark their first foray into live cricket coverage.

Setanta have recently expanded into Premier League football and launched their own dedicated sports news channel. They will broadcast all 59 IPL games from April 18 to June 1 with matches due to start at 9.30am, 1.30pm or 2.30pm UK time. They will also repeat the games in peak time.

"The Indian Premier League is going to be massive. We're absolutely thrilled to acquire these rights and add another major sport to Setanta's programme line-up," Trevor East, Setanta's director of sport, told The Guardian. "Twenty20 cricket has been a phenomenal success and this tournament, with all its world-class players, is sure to capture the imagination of sports fans young and old.

"I firmly believe the IPL will become a highlight of the international sporting calendar for years to come. That's why we've shown our commitment to it by signing a five-year deal."

Currently there aren't any England players involved in the IPL due to the clash with tours and the start of the domestic season.