World Sport Nimbus (WSN) has been contracted by Global Cricket Corporation (GCC) to produce the live television coverage of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2004. This is the first time that the U-19 Cricket World Cup will be televised live from the league matches stage itself.

Of the over 50 matches in the event, nine will be televised live, including all the India matches (a maximum of six from Group C and the Super League), the semi-finals and the final. Should India not qualify for the Super League phase, three alternate matches will be telecast live.

Sixteen teams have qualified for the U-19 Cricket World Cup and have been drawn in four Groups. The top two from each Group will qualify for the Super League. The Super League will also be in two pools and the top 2 teams from each pool will go to the semi-finals.

India is drawn with New Zealand, Bangladesh and Scotland.

The U-19 Cricket World Cup is being staged in Bangladesh from February 15 to March 5, 2004.

Says Digvijay Singh, CEO, WSN, "With the enormous ratings that cricket is now getting and with U-19 players knocking at the doors of Test cricket, it makes great sense to televise the U-19 World Cup and take it to the next level."

India recently won the Asian U-19 title, and many consider the Indians as the favourite for the World title.