Cricket returns to free-to-air TV in the U.K. after 16 years

U.K.'s Channel 4 has secured the broadcasting rights for the India-England Test series.

England will play four Tests against India. - GETTY IMAGES

Channel 4 has secured the telecast rights of England’s high-profile Test series against India after having struck a deal with Indian broadcaster Star Sports . This will be the first time Test cricket returns to terrestrial television in the U.K. since the 2005 Ashes.

“Channel 4 will show exclusive free-to-air live television coverage of England’s Test series against India,” the channel said in a statement. “This will be the first time live Test cricket has been on free to air television since Channel 4 showed England’s momentous Ashes win in 2005.”

It said ball-by-ball coverage of all four Tests will be shown live on Channel 4 and All 4.

“And for viewers who can’t manage the early 4am start, highlights will be available on All 4.”

'Delighted'

Channel 4 ’s Head of Sport Pete Andrews and Penny Mills, Head of Sports Rights, led the broadcaster’s negotiations to secure the deal. “We’re delighted to be showing live Test cricket on Channel 4 again and given the recent performances of both sides this series is set to be a cracker. We’re thrilled to have struck this deal with Star Sports ,” said Andrews.

Channel 4 ’s Chief Content Officer Ian Katz said it was fantastic news for all cricket fans in the U.K.

“It’s been a long 16-year wait for the return of live Test cricket to free-to-air television but it couldn’t have come at a better time. What better antidote to the lockdown blues than an England Test series in sunny India.”