Ten Sports ropes in Idea Cellular

Ten Sports has roped in telecom service provider Idea Cellular as the title sponsor for the India-Sri Lanka cricket series.

The event will also telecast on Zee Sports with Hindi commentary. Zee Group has a 50 per cent stake in Dubai-based Taj Television, the company that runs sports channel Ten Sports.

Taj Television CEO Chris McDonald says, "We are very pleased to partner with one of India's foremost telecom companies Idea Cellular to bring all our loyal viewers in India the much awaited Idea cup live on Ten Sports and live as well on Zee Sports in Hindi."

The Idea Cup, which kick-starts from 23 July, will feature three Test matches and five ODIs. Ten Sports' commentary panel comprises Tony Greig, Ian Bishop, Ranjith Fernando and Arun Lal.

This is the first time that Idea Cellular and Ten Sports are associating on a cricket-based property.

The series will be supported by the wrap around show Straight Drive and will feature Sanjay Manjekar, Geoffrey Boycott, Aravinda De Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chris Cairns, Waqar Younis and Rod Marsh as a special guest.