US ProCricket cricket available on TV

American ProCricket L.L.C. and EchoStar Communications Corporation announced today that DISH Network satellite TV will broadcast ProCricket's regular season, all-star match, playoff and championship games on DISH On Demand Pay-Per-View (ODPPV) this summer. ProCricket is the first professional cricket league in the United States, with local teams in eight US markets, and now becomes the first US cricket organization to have its matches aired to a global audience.

DISH's ODPPV will begin offering ProCricket on Friday, July 23 with a match between the New Jersey Fire and the Florida Thunder. Eight additional regular season matches will be broadcast live on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer, with a replay of each match also available. ProCricket's all-star game will be broadcast on Thursday, August 19. ProCricket's 2004 Championship Round play-offs will be available on Friday, August 27 and Sunday, August 29. The final Premier Championship match will be broadcast Sunday, September 5.

"As the first American professional cricket league, ProCricket is a great addition to DISH Network's pay-per-view lineup," said Susan Arnold, vice president of programming for DISH. "These exciting games are attractive to culturally diverse subscribers who rely on DISH for programming that blends the best from many nations."

"We are pleased to partner with DISH to bring the debut season of ProCricket into living rooms across the nation," said Kal Patel, chairman and commissioner for ProCricket. "DISH has proven to be the leader in televising international cricket in America, having aired the World Cup, so it is a natural fit to showcase US ProCricket games in the same TV venue."

DISH residential customers can purchase single 2004 ProCricket regular season and playoff games for $9.95 each. ProCricket's final Premier Championship match can be purchased separately for $19.95. Residential customers also can elect to purchase a ProCricket Season.