Sky Sports seals English cricket rights deal

UK pay-TV network Sky Sports has renewed its exclusive broadcast rights deal with the England Cricket Board (ECB) for three years beginning 2014. The agreement covers television, mobile and online delivery of England matches until 2017, and extends the current four-year deal between the two parties, which is estimated to be worth £280 million. "Cricket is flourishing in England and Wales, with increased participation, record attendances and success for England's men and women. Through extending our partnership, the ECB can invest on and off the pitch and the game can continue to grow," said Barney Francis, managing director, Sky Sports. Sky Sports will continue to show exclusive live coverage to UK subscribers of all England's home Test matches, including the 2014 series against India, the 2015 series against Australia, the 2016 series against Pakistan, and the 2017 series against South Africa. In addition, all one day internationals and twenty20 (T20) matches will be shown by the broadcaster, along with a selection of England Lions and women's matches. ECB chairman Giles Clarke said: "No one should be in any doubt that our partnership with Sky has been of immense benefit to the wider game. World-class support structures for our successful England teams, major ground improvements at county level, a flourishing coach education programme and a five per increase in participation at our 'Focus' clubs are all by-products of this relationship." Sky's live broadcasting partnership with the ECB dates back to the England cricket team's tour of the Caribbean back in 1990. It celebrated televising its 150th live England Test match in 2010.