Broadband internet users could soon be watching live sport for free on their computer or mobile device, after YouTube announced it will show some major events.

The Google-owned site will begin its coverage by showing 60 of the cricket matches from the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL).

Such a move could establish YouTube as one of the leading live video streaming websites, with its recent offerings including a U2 concert which was watched by nearly ten million people - most of whom are likely to have been broadband users.

Coverage of the IPL will kick off in March and will feature some of the world's top players - such as New Zealand's Shane Bond and South Africa's Wayne Parnell.

YouTube last month started an official sports channel through the site, with the latest news and highlights from a range of games around the world available.

It also offers broadband users the chance to watch high-quality fast-loading videos of the Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.

Such a breakthrough in the complicated field of sports coverage rights could now lead to more events being streamed legally online - which could be good news for sports fans with a reliable broadband connection.

The IPL features a number of franchises, each of which bid to sign up players from all of the leading cricket nations at a special auction.

Last year the tournament took place in South Africa due to security worries in India, where it was won by the Deccan Chargers - who are based in the city of Hyderabad.

Categories: Broadband

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