According to multiple reports, Channel 4 have emerged as the frontrunner to win the rights to broadcast the upcoming India-England Test series in the UK.
There has been much confusion and speculation about where English cricket fans will be able to watch the hotly anticipated four-match rubber. Disney own the rights through subsidiary Star Sports, and it had initially been reported that the series would be broadcast on Disney+, the media giant’s streaming service.
This would have come as another hit to the wallets of cricket fans who already have to pay for several subscriptions to watch all international cricket on offer. The development that Channel 4 are likely to show some or all of the series will therefore delight many fans, with Test cricket last shown on free-to-air TV in the UK in 2005, when England won the Ashes in unforgettable fashion.
The Times and i have both reported that Channel 4 are the most likely home for the series in the UK. According to Chris Stocks in i, the UK being in lockdown and increased interest in Test cricket following India and England’s away series victories in Australia and Sri Lanka respectively have driven the value of the rights upwards, leading to Star Sports’ decision to sell them on. The i report suggests a joint bid between Channel 4 and BT Sport is likely to win out, with at least one out of four Tests shown on the terrestrial channel.
Elizabeth Ammon in The Times has reported that BT Sports have been unable to clinch a deal, and Channel 4 will be the sole home for the coverage unless Sky Sports return with an improved offer. The Times report also differs with i over the trajectory of the value of the rights, with the former reporting that Star Sports are having to settle for less than an original £20 million valuation.
According to The Times, Channel 4’s preparations for broadcasting the series are already underway, with Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan potentially lined up as studio guests.
The series will start on Friday, February 5, and will be followed by five T20Is and three ODIs, also part of the rights package up for sale. In India, the series will be broadcast on Star Sports.
