Mumbai: Sports and entertainment channel Sony Six has bagged the exclusive broadcasting rights for the newly-floated Champions Tennis League (CTL) to be held from November 17-26 across six cities in India.
The Vijay Amritraj-conceptualised IPL-style league would see Indian as well as international players in action.The six city-based teams, split into two groups, would play 12 matches over an eight-day period in a home and away format with the group toppers fighting it out for the inaugural Champions Tennis League trophy on November 26.
Each team would comprise one male and one female international player ranked amongst the top 25 in the ATP and WTA rankings. Each of the six teams would also have an international legend as their playing captain, apart from a noted top ranked Indian male tennis player.
Two juniors, aged under 21 will also be a part of the team, selected by the All India Tennis Association, in order to give them exposure and the experience of playing with some of the best players in the world.
All the games are to be featured on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD, the release added. "I am delighted that The Champions Tennis League in its inaugural edition will be seen on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. This would be first time that an event of this nature with top international players, men and women along with some wonderful legends will be seen in 6 cities across India," said Amritraj, Chairman and MD of Second Serve Pvt Ltd, the firm behind the league.
"I am also proud to say that our Indian Davis Cup players will be alongside the international players, along with two Indian youngsters, a boy and a girl, who will be on the team to practice and gain experience travelling with these top players. It will be a spectacular 10 days for sports and
tennis lovers across the country," he added.
"Introduction of Champions Tennis League will help redefine the Indian tennis market paradigm. This will be a landmark event that will put India on the global map of tennis," said NP Singh, CEO, of broadcaster MSM India.
