Race against time to avoid England-India TV blackout
The highly-anticipated five-match Test series between England and India is at risk of being blacked out on television, as no broadcasting deal has been reached just days before the opening game in Hyderabad on January 25. TalkSPORT currently holds the radio rights for the series, which features two of the top-ranked teams in the world.
Negotiations with the Board of Control for Cricket in India have historically gone down to the wire, with distributors eager to recoup their initial investments in the lucrative Indian market. During England’s previous Test series in the country in 2021, Channel 4 swooped in with a last-minute bid after unexpectedly re-entering the market.
Last time, Channel 4’s interest was fueled partly by the desire to provide live sport to a captive audience emerging from coronavirus lockdowns. However, this time around, it seems that the terrestrial broadcaster has no intention of making a similar move, as its resources are currently focused on covering the Paralympics.
As a result, Sky Sports and TNT are the leading contenders to secure the TV rights. Sky Sports has a long history of being the home of England cricket tours, while TNT, formerly known as BT Sport, has made inroads into the broadcasting field.
Although the match timings are not ideal, with games starting at 4 am and play wrapping up before midday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is expected to explore all avenues to ensure the series is televised. With the current leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum aiming to enhance the entertainment value and profile of Test cricket, it seems unlikely that the ECB would not offer its assistance in resolving the broadcasting issue. PA has reached out to the governing body for comment but has yet to receive a response.
In preparation for the series, the England team will fly to the United Arab Emirates for a training camp and team bonding activities before heading to India just a few days before the first Test. However, due to the lack of warm-up matches, England may face some challenges in acclimatizing to the conditions quickly.
The England-India Test series is eagerly anticipated by cricket fans around the world. The clash between two powerhouse teams, ranked second and third in the world, promises to deliver intense competition and high-level cricket. With the clock ticking, all eyes are now on the broadcasters to secure the rights and prevent a TV blackout that would deprive fans of witnessing this marquee event of the Test calendar.
As fans eagerly await the outcome of the negotiations, the cricketing authorities and broadcasters must work swiftly to ensure that the matches are televised, allowing fans around the world to experience the drama and excitement of this highly-anticipated series.
