RANGERS have secured a landmark broadcasting deal with Star Sports as they bid to break into the Indian market.

The Light Blues announced a strategic partnership with Bengaluru FC last season and former national team captain Bala Devi will play for the Women's team this term.

Now a broadcast deal - that will include a friendly with Bengaluru at Ibrox next summer - has been struck as Rangers look to enhance their profile in an ever-growing Indian marketplace.

Rangers say the agreement secures 'their position as rights holders for the SPFL ' in India and Star Sports will be given exclusive access as well as coverage of live matches.

The Premiership clash with Ross County this afternoon will be the first to be featured and the Old Firm clash later this month will also be broadcast.

As well as showing Rangers' fixtures, Star Sports - who also have rights to the Premier League, Indian Premier League cricket, Formula One and tennis - will televise a further 15 SPFL matches in the coming months

Rangers Director of Commercial & Marketing, James Bisgrove said: "We’re thrilled to enter into this innovative partnership with Star Sports.

"It represents the successful implementation of our international strategy and our thriving relationship with Bengaluru FC in India.

"The signing of the broadcast deal will give Rangers and the SPFL Premiership unprecedented visibility in India and with it a unique opportunity for both the club and Star Sports to develop commercially.”

The Star Sports deal is another key part of Rangers' off-field blueprint and the friendly with Bengaluru next summer will be a historic match for both clubs.

Coaching expertise and digital strategies have already been shared and Bengaluru chief Mandar Tamhane said: “From the outset we were sure about partnering with a club with whom we could create meaningful opportunities.

"This agreement to bring the SPFL and Rangers to television screens in India through Star Sports is a big reinforcement of our joining of hands with Rangers.

"We also have the pre-season planned in Glasgow next year that involves a game with Rangers, and that’s something big to look forward to.

“We’d like to thank Star Sports, with whom we share a fantastic relationship, for their role in making this possible.

"I am certain fans in India will get access to quality content from the SPFL and Rangers specifically, and that includes updates from Bala Devi’s time in Glasgow with Rangers Women.”