More than $180 million has been paid for the broadcast rights for the women's Indian Premier League (IPL) for the next five years.
White Ferns all-rounder Suzie Bates bats during the Women's IPL T20 Challenge match in Mumbai in 2018. Photo: Photsport/SPORTZPICS
India's cricket board, the BCCI, announced on Tuesday the rights had been sold to Viacom 18 for NZ$183 million.
Viacom 18 outbid Disney Star, Sony and Zee among other broadcasters in a closed-bid auction in Mumbai, ESPNcricinfo reported.
The inaugural women's IPL was set to be played in March.
"This is massive for women's cricket," BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Twitter.
A three-team Women's T20 Challenge had been staged alongside the men's IPL since 2018, but the BCCI had been urged to set up an expanded tournament for women with more teams and players.
"After pay equity, today's bidding for media rights for Women's IPL marks another historic mandate," Shah added.
"It's a big and decisive step for empowerment of women's cricket in India, which will ensure participation of women from all ages."
In August last year, Disney Star won the rights to broadcast men's and women's International Cricket Council (ICC) events through to the end of 2027 in a deal reported to be worth $4.7 billion.
In June, Disney-owned Star India retained the television broadcast rights to the men's IPL for $4.7 billion.
- Reuters