A broadcasting deal delivering live ball-by-ball radio coverage of the President’s Cup is close to being finalised, says West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) director, Paul Campbell.

Dubai-based Channel 2 is providing the feed with Line and Length Network Inc being the regional partner in a proposed minimum three-year deal, Campbell disclosed during a telephone interview with the Observer last week.

Detailed aspects of the deal cannot be disclosed, he noted, but the agreement will include coverage of international home matches as well.

“As we speak it will be one live match per day, which I can confirm,” said Campbell, who is the president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA).

“But we’re trying to get two matches per day to be aired, so fans around the region could follow their team whenever they’re playing.”

But it remains unclear whether Jamaican cricket fans will be able to follow the action over the airwaves as no deal has been struck with any of the stations in the host territory, Campbell said.

The JCA boss said, however, that they are hopeful of securing an arrangement with two media entities traditionally known for airing live cricket before the October 14 start of the tournament.

Many radio stations around the region, he said, have expressed their interest, but it is not clear if any have signed on.

“I don’t have that information with me, but I’m almost certain that countries like Barbados would have stations that will be very interested to do so,” he said.

For the past few years Line and Length Network with its cadre of established local and global cricket commentators has been delivering commentary of regional cricket tournaments, with the WICB bearing some of the cost.

But the current deal being brokered, Campbell hopes, will see the regional Board devoid of any broadcasting costs.

“It is highly unlikely that the WICB will underwrite any cost, but rather, we’re seeking to earn from this agreement.

Last Friday, the WICB confirmed Campbell’s pronouncements in an issued media release sent around the region.

In addition to live coverage, Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) will produce 30-minute highlights package of all matches for distribution to local affiliate stations across the region.

Fans can also follow live text commentary and score updates of all matches via on www.windiecricket.com, which will deliver live video streaming of the semi-finals and final as well as one match each day during the preliminary round.

The action can also be tracked on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook.

The President’s Cup is the premier regional limited-over competition, with eight teams vying for the top prize of US$10,000.

Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago will take on the Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) and Jamaica face the Windward Islands at Kensington Park and the Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium, respectively, in the opening games.