In case you are wondering why the premier cricket websites ESPNCricinfo and Cricbuzz are slow in updating the live scores and commentary for the ongoing India vs New Zealand ODI series, let me tell you that they are not slow. The cricket websites have been forced to delay the reporting of real-time cricket scores following a case filed by Multi-Screen Media(MSM) - the Sony owned media firm. The Delhi High Court(HC) has furnished an interim injunction in the case, barring the cricket websites from reporting real-time cricket scores. The New Zealand Cricket Board had granted the exclusive rights(including television, mobile, data and internet rights) to MSMs sports arm, Sony Six, for the highly-awaited Indias tour of New Zealand - comprised of five ODIs and two Tests. The cricket websites, without obtaining a license from Sony, were found providing live and simultaneous text commentary over the internet. With MSM holding the exclusive rights, the Network moved the Delhi HC against the firms seeking inter alia for permanent injunction restraining violation of its exclusive media rights, damages and rendition of accounts. According to Cricket Country report, MSM general counsel Ashok Nambissan says, We are happy that the Honble High Court has granted us an injunction preventing the flagrant violation of the exclusivity of our rights in the ongoing cricket series between India and New Zealand. These rights are acquired at great cost in our efforts to bring international sports events live to our viewers. We will continue to be vigilant and take action as per law to protect our rights. The cricket websites in question have been ordered to acquire licenses from MSM so as to report real-time cricket scores and commentary on their web portals. #IndianCricket
Posted on: Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:32:14 +0000