CRICKET fans across England may be left disappointed as TV rights for the upcoming test series against India have yet to be sold. With just over a fortnight remaining until the clash between Ben Stokes and his team and one of the heavyweights of the sport, fans are anxiously awaiting news on how they can watch the highly anticipated matches. Reports suggest that key players in the UK market, such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports, have not yet engaged in the bidding process for the rights. This uncertainty is reminiscent of England’s last test series in India three years ago, when rights holders Star were hoping to secure around £20 million but ended up settling for £7 million from Channel 4 just days before the event. It is unlikely that Channel 4 will enter the bidding process this time around. However, for those who don’t want to miss out completely, UK radio rights have been snapped up by talkSPORT, ensuring that fans can at least listen to the action unfold on the radio.
As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the test series between England and India, the question on their minds is whether they will be able to witness the action from the comfort of their own homes. The bidding process for the TV rights is still ongoing, with major players in the UK market yet to join the race. Normally, Sky Sports and TNT Sports dominate the market when it comes to securing rights for such significant events. However, according to The Times, neither of these broadcasters have shown any involvement in the bidding process thus far, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty.
This situation is reminiscent of the previous test series between England and India in 2016, when rights holders Star had initially hoped to secure a hefty sum of £20 million. However, they ultimately settled for £7 million from Channel 4 just three days before the event. Despite the last-minute deal, Channel 4 was able to provide fans with coverage on free-to-air television. Their coverage consisted of a studio team in the UK and world feed commentary, as they did not have their own reporters or pundits on-site. Yet, it is believed that Channel 4 is unlikely to enter the bidding at the eleventh hour this time around, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding TV coverage.
While television coverage hangs in the balance, cricket fans can still find solace in the fact that UK radio rights have been secured by talkSPORT. Starting on January 25, listeners will be able to tune in to the radio to catch all the live action and updates. Although nothing compares to watching the thrilling sportsmanship unfold on television, the radio commentary will provide fans with a sense of engagement and allow them to stay connected to the series.
As fans wait with bated breath, the lack of progress in securing TV rights for the highly anticipated test series is a cause for concern. The absence of major players like Sky Sports and TNT Sports in the bidding process has raised eyebrows, leaving supporters questioning the reasoning behind their silence. However, despite the uncertainty surrounding TV coverage, fans can rest assured that they will still be able to experience the excitement through talkSPORT’s radio commentary. As the clash between England and India draws near, fans are hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon, ensuring they won’t miss out on witnessing this significant sporting event.
