World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match to be telecast in 122 countries

The International Cricket council today announced the broadcast partners that will be televising the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match to millions of fans throughout the cricket world.

The match between an ICC World XI and an ACC Asian XI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday 10 January will be available to television viewers in 122 countries from throughout Africa, Asia, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North America and Europe.

ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed said that the ICC was delighted that so many broadcasters had come forward to cover the match at short notice.

"The response from broadcasters has been fantastic and we are delighted that the match will be available to viewers in so many countries, including many of those affected by the tsunami," said Mr Speed.

"These broadcasters have all donated to the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal and during the match viewers will be encouraged to contribute to World Vision's relief efforts."

Channel 9 from Australia is the host broadcaster of the event and it will be running a telethon throughout the day for Australian viewers. ABC Radio and Radio National have radio broadcast rights in Australia.

Broadcasters signed up for the World Cricket Tsunami Appeal match in Melbourne include:

Channel 9 - Australia
Sony Entertainment Television - Asia, Middle East & Americas
BSKYB UK - UK
SKY New Zealand - New Zealand
Caribbean Media Corporation - Caribbean
Super Sport - Africa
Fiji Television - Pacific Islands

These major licensees have also sub-licensed the coverage in their respective regions. In addition to these major international broadcasters, agreements have been reached with SNTV and Reuters to transmit footage from the match for news access purposes.

The ICC's official weekly television show, ICC Cricket World, will also be bringing news of the match to viewers in 111 countries.

The match will begin at 2.10pm local time (AEST), cricket fans should consult local press for broadcast details in their territory.

The proceeds from the match in Melbourne will be donated to the global relief and development organization, World Vision, which is dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide.

Viewers around the world will be able to donate to World Vision by visiting the ICC website at www.icc-cricket.com and following the relevant links.

World Vision has staff across the Asian region and is providing food and Family Survival Kits to the countries devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.

For a full list of countries in which the match is being shown, visit the ICC website, www.icc-cricket.com.