ICC to televise ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier matches for first time ever

Ten matches will be broadcast around the globe, significantly building on the four live-streamed match coverage previously seen at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2014 as the ICC continues to build its long-term partnerships with various broadcast partners to widen the reach of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.*

Fans can also watch online or via their mobile devices with the majority of broadcast partners simulcasting live ICC event coverage. For a full list of broadcast partners and details on how to access live ICC event coverage, please see here.

Commentary of the 19 camera coverage will come from a stellar seven person commentary panel – Ian Bishop, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Lisa Sthalekar, Deep Dasgupta, Fazeer Mohammed, Mark Butcher and Dirk Nannes.

Ian Bishop: “The phenomenal rise of Afghanistan as a cricketing stronghold in such a short time, serves as a cautionary tale to anyone who isn't aware of how fast and how skilfully the game is growing at all levels. With this in mind I am excited to be a part of the broadcast panel that will be on hand to keep you updated as to which two nations will be standing on the pedestal of success on March 25 as they tread the path to leave their mark on the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.”

Lisa Sthalekar: “The ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier is a very important tournament in the cricketing calendar as it is the last chance for teams to qualify for next year’s Cricket World Cup in England and Wales. What that means is that there will be some delightful cricket that will be played with new heroes emerging. I am eager to be part of the broadcast team and I’m looking forward to all the excitement it will bring.”

Pommie Mbangwa: “I so look forward to working on the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier. Of course being back in Zimbabwe will be enjoyable, but more entertaining will be getting to call games where so much is at stake for all the teams. It means a great deal to be at the Cricket World Cup and this is the last chance teams get to earn a place in the sport’s most coveted tournament.”

To provide more to viewers and bring them closer to the action, there will be a 15-minute pre-game build-up, which will set the scene for the match and will include the toss and the pitch report. A 10-minute post-game wrap-up will include the Player of the Match presentation and a chat with the two captains.

Digital Clips

Away from the live broadcasting, the ICC continues its commitment to improving and upgrading digital coverage of cricket to the world. For the first time ever in an ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, ICC will make available on-demand clips of match action, highlights and event content available to global fans via a portfolio of global clip rights licensees.

A total of 10 digital clip partners covering over 110 countries will provide up to six minutes per hour of near-live match content – as well as match previews, media conferences, match highlights and event features – available to watch on designated licensee websites, smartphone apps and other digital properties with a focus on mobile. **

ICC digital platforms

Fans will also be able to keep up with the action via the ICC website icc-cricket.com, social media platforms and app – all of which will contain the latest news, scores, blog and short form video highlights from every single game of the tournament, marking the most comprehensively covered Cricket World Cup Qualifier to date.

The official ICC mobile application has undergone a number of updates to support the event including a dedicated CWCQ section, tournament video carousel, enhanced live blog with in-match clips, team pages for all 10 competing nations and the ability to ‘follow’ and receive push notifications for favourite teams (Android only).

The website also undergone some changes which includes enhanced modules for fans to follow the event, squad pages, official clip licensees added, various sponsor activations and a home page takeover. This will add life and colour to the hero moments of what promises to be a thrilling event on the Road to Cricket World Cup 2019.

ICC will continue its partnership with Perform Media Channels brand Opta as ICC’s Official Data Provider. Opta will provide live scoring services from the match venues for ICC digital media channels as well as providing a daily stats pack and net run-rate calculator for teams, umpires and match referees, ICC staff and members of the media.

Speaking on the broadcast reach and coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifer, Aarti Dabas, Head of Media Rights, Broadcast and Digital, said: “For the first time ever we are broadcasting 10 matches of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, this a huge step forward in our ambition to getting cricket to more fans across the world.

“With two places in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 at stake, the ICC in partnership with its official broadcast and digital partners and on its own digital platforms are providing significant coverage of the event in Zimbabwe. In a number of firsts for coverage across the tournament, the ICC will provide on-demand clips and fans will have access to follow the event on any platform on broadcast and digital.’

The ten matches to be broadcasted at Harare Sports Club are as follows:

Saturday, 10 March – Windies v Ireland

Monday, 12 March – Windies v Netherlands

Thursday, 15 March – A1 v B1

Friday, 16 March – A2 v B2

Sunday, 18 March – A2 v B3

Monday, 19 March – A1 v B2

Tuesday, 20 March – A3 v B1

Thursday, 22 March – A1 v B3

Friday, 23 March – A2 v B1

Sunday, 25 March – FINAL