Australian pay-television operator Foxtel has announced a multiyear broadcast rights deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) ahead of Australia’s upcoming tour of England.
The deal will run until the end of 2023 and cover 12 tours of England. The agreement will not include the Ashes series, as reported by our sources.
The deal has been signed just before the start of Australia international tour of England, which includes three T20 matches and three one-day international; starting from Saturday, September 5.
The new agreement confirms that Fox Sports will continue as the ECB’s rights-holding broadcaster in Australia, after the previous deal with the organising body expired last year.
Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said, “After a break of almost six months, it will be great to see Australia’s cricket team back in action on Fox Sports against the old foe. Anytime Australia and England face-off, the series comes with a special mix of history and anticipation. It’s going to be an action-packed fortnight of the very best international cricket.”
He further added, “We are excited that all the T-20 and ODI action on Fox Sports will feature an outstanding commentary team featuring former England captains Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain along with Michael Holding and our very own Shane Warne.”
Foxtel already has agreements with CA, CSA and the BCCI in the Australian territory which makes them the biggest broadcaster in that territory.