Caribbean company secures World Cup rights

Fans in the Caribbean will have extensive coverage of the battle for the World Cup © Getty Images

The Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) has won the rights to broadcast the 2007 World Cup on television and radio around the Caribbean. The deal includes ball-by-ball coverage of 36 matches on radio, including all games involving West Indies, and broadcasters throughout the region will have access to live TV pictures, daily highlights and a discussion show called At The Wicket.

The CMC also has the rights to provide clips for its news packages on the Carib Vision satellite channel and Errol Clarke, CMC's chief operations officer, was delighted with the extensive deal. "In this very competitive environment, this is truly a huge achievement for CMC.

"We are delighted that the Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) had enough confidence in the CMC to give us another opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the ICC."

Clarke believes the deal provides further evidence of the CMC's commitment to the game and is another example of how every effort is being made to make the 2007 tournament one of most memorable and accessible. "The World Cup is the crown jewel of the CMC's acquisition of marquee sports properties for the simple reason that the tournament is being played in the Caribbean."

"In much the same way the local organising committees are stepping up to stage this global event, the CMC is making every effort to ensure quality coverage for viewers and listeners.

"A lot of people are working tirelessly right now to ensure that everything is in place to host the best World Cup ever, and if they achieve their goals, it is important for people of the region to see another shining example of Caribbean excellence."

Ian Frykberg, the managing director of the GCC, said: "It is fitting that a Caribbean company has secured the rights against rivals from overseas. This is going to be a fantastic event for the people of the Caribbean, and we look forward to working closely with the CMC."

The World Cup will be launched with an opening ceremony on March 11 at the new Greenfield Stadium in Jamaica, with the final being staged at the redeveloped Kensington Oval in Barbados.