The Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) Tuesday announced the signing of a three-year telecast deal with broadcasters ESPN-STAR Sports.

Under the contract facilitated by Leisure Sports Management, ESPN-STAR Sports will have exclusive rights to telecast all international matches played under the aegis of the IHF out of India.

"It is a very good day for Indian hockey as we haven't had too many international matches here after the Indira Gandhi tournament was discontinued," said IHF president K.P.S. Gill.

"We will have 102 internationals against the top teams over the next three years, including 15 matches against Pakistan. This will give our players exposure to different styles of hockey and the viewers some great action," Gill said.

Under the contract, ESPN-STAR Sports will broadcast and market the "IHF Hockey Package". Any other tournament that the hockey's apex body launched would be telecast exclusively by the broadcaster.

Teams that might visit India over the next three years include South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Pakistan, which will play a five test series.

"We are very upbeat about this three-year acquisition. Besides continuing to innovate on our current hockey telecast, we will market players and the sport better," said ESPN managing director R.C. Venkateish.

The sports broadcaster and the IHF had come together earlier this year to launch the Premier Hockey League, a month-long hockey season that brought together players from both within the country and abroad.

The Premier Hockey League was well received by both the hockey fraternity and sports lovers apart from garnering good ratings for ESPN-STAR Sports.