Singapore – ESPN STAR Sports has announced its broadcast rights partnership for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan for the first edition of the ICC World Twenty20. The New Media Group (TNMG) has been awarded the Internet and television broadcast rights for Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and will feature the content on its flagship IPTV service, World On-Demand (www.WorldOnDemand.net). Said Manu Sawhney, Executive Vice President, Programming & Marketing, ESPN STAR Sports: “With our partnership with The New Media Group for North Asia, we are confident of setting new benchmarks in distribution which will pave the way for a record number of fans to witness this exciting format of cricket in these countries.” Malcolm Speed, ICC Chief Executive Officer, said, “I’m confident that these broadcast partnerships will eventually grow the popularity of cricket in emerging markets such as Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as we see great potential in heightening the profile of this great game to Asian audiences.”