The sports broadcasting wing of BBC, the BBC Sport has announced a partnership extension with the apex body of cricket in England and Wales, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Following the extension, BBC Sport will continue to cover all the action happening in English cricket on BBC Radio and BBC Sound.
The new four-year deal with the ECB extends the present partnership, which runs until 2024, and ensures that live coverage of all of England’s home Tests, one-day internationals, and T20Is will continue to be heard exclusively on BBC radio.
The deal ensures that the historic Test Match Special, which initially gave comprehensive ball-by-ball commentary in 1957, will continue to air after its 70th birthday. TMS will also cover matches from the men’s and women’s domestic seasons, with additional analysis and news pieces available on the BBC Sport website, as well as live commentary from The Hundred on BBC Radio and BBC Sounds.
Barbara Slater, Director, 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.”
Tony Singh, ECB Chief Commercial Officer, commented, “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.”