Sky Sports has refused to pay Cricket West Indies for the two T20Is in St Kitts later this week. The matches weren’t part of the original agreement, and Sky’s refusal means CWI will take a big hit financially.
According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, a broadcast deal, made years ago between the two parties, comprised just the one T20I at the time. The series is now a three-match one and Sky are reluctant to pay anything more than they already have for the tour.
Each match is reportedly valued at $US1 million, and the focus for CWI now will be to do anything possible to control the loss. That could mean they will look into streaming the match through their social media platforms.
“I still believe I can play international cricket. I still believe I’m good enough.”
Dawid Malan wasn’t too happy at being dropped last year, and is out to prove a point ?https://t.co/OvlG92Bbjk
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 5, 2019
However, that isn’t expected to affect telecast. CWI could, technically, decline access to Sky for the pictures, but they are unlikely to do so, given it’s imperative for them to maintain a good relationship with their sponsors and the St Kitts government, who have invested in the game.
Sky probably won’t have exclusive rights to it, though. While they could broadcast the games for a fraction of the amount they otherwise would have had to pay.
The St Kitts T20Is will be played on March 8 and 10.
