The launch of the first regional sports channel, STAR Sports 1 Tamil, has delighted Tamil-speaking viewers across India.
Former India captain K. Srikkanth, who has been hired as expert commentator for the ICC Champions Trophy, said: “It’s a fantastic initiative to start a regional channel exclusively for sports. As a Tamilian I am proud of it.
“The Chennai crowd is known for being a cricket-loving, knowledgeable and sporting crowd. People of Tamil Nadu enjoy sports in general...kabaddi has become very popular, then we have football in which Chennaiyin F C has been a champion club. Chennai has had superstars in tennis and chess.”
Why did Srikkanth take up the new role? “As my mother tongue is Tamil, I thought this was one way of giving it back to the people of Tamil Nadu. I have done Tamil shows in the past, including cricket shows. TNPL was a big hit last year because STAR Sports broadcast the league live and people in the rural areas got an opportunity to watch matches, listen to the commentary and understand the game. More importantly it established a connect with the people.
“I speak casual Tamil. There will be a little bit of English used. A cover drive can only be a cover drive. When you converse in colloquial Tamil, you actually connect with the viewers. One of the promos for the new channel is ‘Machi Are You Ready’. Machi is a typical local lingo.”
The channel has also engaged L. Sivaramakrishnan, S. Badrinath, S. Sriram, S. Ramesh and Hemang Badani for the Champions Trophy. It has roped in popular radio jockey Balaji for the cricket shows.
The broadcaster will also telecast live the second season of TNPL, ProKabaddi Season 5 and Hero ISL.
