BBC Sport has reached an agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to secure the broadcasting rights to provide live cricket audio coverage until at least the 2028 season.
The four-year extension will begin at the end of the current contract, which expires in 2024, and includes live coverage of all of England’s home Tests, one-day internationals and IT20s on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
Additionally, the iconic programme ‘Test Match Special’ (TMS) is also set to run for the duration of the deal, having first provided ball-by-ball commentary in 1957. TSM will cover games from the men’s County cricket and women’s domestic season, alongside live ECB game commentary on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds and additional news available on the BBC Sport website.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, said: “We know how much listeners cherish cricket on BBC radio and especially TMS with its unique combination of expert analysis, lively, engaging and entertaining commentary.
“It is part of the fabric of cricket and we are delighted this new deal ensures TMS continues its great tradition of making cricket accessible to all.”
Cricket is just one of the sports that BBC holds exclusive rights to cover, with its portfolio spanning football, athletics, golf, motorsports, tennis, as well as the Olympic Games.
Tony Singh, ECB Chief Commercial Officer, added: “For many people, TMS, BBC Radio and BBC Sounds will be constant companions through a thrilling summer of cricket.
“As well as being the only place to go for live audio commentary of The Ashes, it’s also the home of so much great coverage of men’s county and women’s domestic cricket and The Hundred.
“We’re delighted that we have also now agreed an extension to this winning partnership so that listeners can continue to tune in to BBC Radio and BBC Sounds for live cricket commentary for a further four years.”
