Under-19 World Cup Set to Become Most Watched Cricket Event to Date
The Under-19 World Cup will have 20 matches broadcast live and will be aired by 15 broadcasters
The future stars of international cricket are primed to become household names as the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to produce live coverage of a record 20 matches from the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh which, in turn, will be aired around the world by 15 broadcasters. (Under-19 World Cup Good Opportunity to Grab Selectors' Attention: Kapil Dev)
The live coverage will start in Chittagong on Wednesday, with a worldwide audience of over a billion expected to watch South Africa launch their title defence against hosts Bangladesh in the tournament opener. (Under-19 World Cup a Stepping Stone to Senior Team: Rahul Dravid)
The ICC, in line with its commitment to enhance the profile of the U-19 showpiece event, has put in place an impressive schedule that includes live broadcast coverage of all four matches from the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium (ZACS) in Chittagong, seven matches from Fatullah (including two Super League quarter-finals and five Super League play-offs) and nine matches from the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) in Mirpur, including four first-round matches, two quarter-finals, both the semi-finals and the February 14 final. (ICC Under-19 World Cup: Khaleel Ahmed, Sarfaraz Khan Star as India Beat Pakistan in Warm-up Tie)
The potential reach for this event will easily outstrip any of the previous 10 editions as this is the first time that 20 matches will be broadcast live.
In the 2014 event in the UAE, 11 matches were shown, while 10 matches each were televised from the 2008, 2010 and 2012 events in Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia respectively.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: "This is the most important age-group cricket tournament, which has a tradition of producing the next generation of stars.
"As such, the ICC has decided to expand the reach of this event, providing unprecedented broadcast and digital coverage to ensure that individual and team performances are provided greater exposure and that the youngsters get a taste of a truly global event."