Test cricket could return to terrestrial TV for the first time in almost two decades with reports of a partnership between BT Sport and Channel 4 to win the rights to England’s forthcoming tour of India.
Test cricket was last broadcast on terrestrial TV in the UK in 2005, when Channel 4 had the rights to England’s Ashes series against Australia.
The series between India and England is due to begin next week, and reports suggest BT Sport and Channel 4 are partnering to win the rights, with Sky Sports also believed to be interested.
It’s thought if BT Sport and Channel 4 were successful, they would agree a deal to would see at least one of the Tests broadcast on terrestrial television. That would be the first time an oversees Test involving England would be shown on a terrestrial channel.
Two years ago, 8.3 million viewers tuned into Channel 4’s coverage of England’s World Cup Final win against New Zealand.
