ACB Signs 3-Year Global Media Syndication Rights and Broadcast Production Services Agreement with Firebird ESM

Kabul – October 1, 2024: The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has entered into a 3-year agreement with Firebird ESM, a Dubai-based sports management and marketing company, for broadcast production services and global media syndication rights covering Afghanistan’s Future Tour Program (FTP) from 2024 to 2027.

Under this contract, Firebird will produce and broadcast Afghanistan’s home matches as part of the ICC Future Tours Program while also acquiring global media syndication rights. The agreement covers all Afghanistan home matches scheduled between July 2024 and 2027. In addition, Firebird will have preferential rights to manage the broadcast and syndication of any additional bilateral series that ACB may organize during this period.

After engaging in discussions with various sports management companies in the UAE throughout early 2024, ACB selected Firebird due to its extensive experience and proven track record in delivering high-quality broadcast production and media services.

This partnership assures Afghanistan’s cricket matches will receive widespread global distribution and promises significant financial returns for the ACB.

Naseeb Khan, CEO of ACB, expressed his satisfaction with the deal and said: “We evaluated several companies before choosing Firebird ESM for their vast experience and service quality. Granting our global media syndication and broadcast production rights to Firebird is a major step for us going forward. We are excited about this partnership and are confident it will serve the benefits of both organizations.”

Deepak Jaswani, Co-Founder of Firebird ESM, shared his excitement about the agreement, highlighting ACB's growing reputation as a prominent cricketing nation with plentiful achievements in a relatively short period. He stated, “We are committed to enhancing the global reach of Afghanistan cricket and look forward to bringing world-class broadcast production and distribution services to our partners at the ACB.”

Ajay Kapoor, also representing Firebird ESM, added: “Firebird will complement the meteoric rise of the Afghanistan cricket team, acknowledging the genuineness and the mindset of the ACB and the Afghanistan National Team. Firebird will create every opportunity to ensure that Afghan cricket is showcased in the best possible manner across the world.”

Afghan cricket has seen significant growth in recent years, both in terms of on-field success and the emergence of talented new players. The passion of Afghan cricket fans continues to grow, and this agreement with Firebird ESM is set to further enhance the global visibility of Afghanistan cricket.