Search giant Google has confirmed that it will broadcast Indian Premier League cricket matches via YouTube.
The announcement arrives after Google sealed its first major sporting deal - a two-year contract with the IPL that will initially see Google's video-sharing website YouTube stream 60 games from the 2010 season starting on March 12th.
YouTube's live coverage, made available via a dedicated channel at youtube.com/IPL, will be available to all countries excluding the U.S. - where Willow TV holds the rights to internet coverage.
The IPL hasn't disclosed the value of Google's deal, but the two companies are expected to split earnings from advertising and localised sponsors. TV viewers, meanwhile, can rest assured as an IPL spokesperson has confirmed that the UK TV rights - formerly held by Setanta - will be sold to a suitable buyer.
Late in 2009, Google struck a deal with rock band U2 to stream a live concert on YouTube. Having attracted some 10 million viewers, the company now states that it is "keen to see how the community will take to live sport".
