BBC Radio gets home internationals

15 December 2004

The ECB today announced that BBC Radio has retained the exclusive radio commentary rights to all home international cricket in a four year deal covering the 2006-2009 seasons.

This secures the future of BBC Radio 4's Test Match Special programme after the 2005 season and extends cricket's close relationship with BBC Radio Five Live.

BBC Radio has also been awarded the non-exclusive rights to cover domestic cricket and it will provide commentary on the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy and the Twenty20 Cup.

In addition, The Wireless Group, which owns TalkSPORT Radio, has also been awarded the non-exclusive rights to the domestic Twenty20 Cup competition, thus becoming the first commercial radio station to be given the broadcast rights to live domestic cricket.

David Morgan, ECB Chairman, said: "I am delighted to have renewed our deal with BBC Radio, which has been such an excellent partner for cricket over the years.

"BBC Radio has a huge audience reach and, in addition to TMS on Radio Four, is able to promote the game on Radio Five Live, on Radio One and on BBC local radio.

"We also welcome TalkSport as a partner for the Twenty20 Cup. They have provided high quality live cricket commentary in the past and we look forward to working with them to promote the Twenty20 Cup to an even wider audience in the future."

Peter Salmon, Director BBC Sport, said: "With the England team on top form we are pleased to provide listeners with the most comprehensive radio coverage on Test Match Special".

Mike Franklin, Managing Director, TalkSPORT said: "The Twenty20 Cup competition has caught the public's imagination and brought in a new audience to cricket.

"talkSPORT's distinctive cricket coverage fits well with the excitement of the Twenty20 format and will appeal to talkSPORT listeners.

"For international cricket talkSPORT will continue to provide a comprehensive update report service for all England games and we remind all cricket lovers that our distinctive ball-by-ball coverage of England's current tour to South Africa starts this Friday."

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