BBC Sport secures radio rights

23 December 2008

The ECB is delighted to announce it has agreed a four-year deal with BBC Sport for the radio rights to broadcast ball-by-ball commentary on international cricket from 2010-13.

The agreement concludes the ECB's major broadcasting contracts until 2013 and John Perera, ECB commercial director, said: "BBC's radio coverage of international cricket has set the standard for broadcasting across the world.

"Test Match Special is an iconic programme which has become a part of the very tapestry of British life. We are extremely pleased that we have been able to conclude this deal with BBC Radio and look forward to working with them for the next four years.

"All sports are finding the tough economic times trying at present and so to be able to conclude broadcasting deals with Sky Sports, Five, ESPN Star Sports and now BBC Radio, which together show a cumulative above RPI rise in revenues which is very satisfying.

"I think that this demonstrates that there is real interest and value in cricket in England and Wales."

Roger Mosey, director of BBC Sport said: "Test Match Special is one of the 'crown jewels' of BBC Sport. We're delighted that it will continue for four more years.

"With the Ashes this summer and then a new contract from 2010, the BBC is proud to be a partner with the ECB in bringing cricket to millions of listeners."