NEO Cricket to reach half a million subscribers in the Middle East on the Pehla Network

This comes at a great time for the channel and for the viewers as NEO Cricket is telecasting the Biggest Season of Cricket. The season will see India fight against rivals Australia, which is one of the most anticipated competitions in recent times.

Vikram Das, Senior Vice President - International Distribution, NEO Sports Broadcast, says:

"The Pehla Network has proven to be an excellent broadcasting partner for us as it is a premium satellite television company catering to Asian expatriates. We are very glad to partner with Pehla to bring the India - Australia & India - England series LIVE to the audiences in the Middle East."

The India vs. Australia test series begins on 9th October, 2008 and will go on till 10th November, 2008 with the two teams playing 4 test matches. This will be followed by the India vs. England ODI series on 14th November, 2008 and India vs England test series on 11th December, 2008.

The Pehla Network has planned a strong marketing strategy involving print, on-air, radio, sms and direct mailers. Print ads will be released to mainline and regional publications across the region followed by topical ads during the series. On air promos will be aired on other network channels. Renewals and upgrades will be pushed through sms in UAE while email will be used to tap prospective subscribers.

Vinod D'Mello, Executive Vice President - Group Strategy & Planning, Arab Digital Distribution, says, "The upcoming series of India against Australia and England is definitely the most exciting thing happening in cricket for the next three months. The Pehla Network being the largest Asian Pay TV provider in the Middle East and NEO Cricket being the channel telecasting the most popular sport adds to the excitement."

Neo Cricket is available on flexible subscription options on the Pehla bouquet - Pehla Silver & Pehla Gold. Pehla currently caters to over 7 million Asians living in the region and the increase of half a million subscribers shall make NEO the channel to tune in to during the months of October to December.