BBC plans to gain some cricket from Sky Sports

The BBC is on a roll at the moment when it comes to sport. But having lost the rights to screen live test match cricket to Sky Sports in 2004, they want some of it back. The deal that Sky Sports has with The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) expires at the end of the 2009 season. But there have been many complaints about the deal because it took live cricket off of free to air television.

The first round of bids for the rights to show the matches over the following four years opens up next month and the BBC will have to dig deep into the pockets to come up with enough cash to steal this one away from Sky Sports. However it has been estimated that since the change over the audiences have fallen dramatically.

But it may not be that easy for the BBC, because Channel Fours bid was second last time, with Channel Five looking to get the highlights programme. It would seem that the only sure winner for the BBC would be the radio deal, unless they are prepared to spend an awful lot of money to secure the rights.

Story link: BBC plans to gain some cricket from Sky Sports