42,000 and counting sign petition for cricket’s terrestrial TV return
In the wake of English cricket’s greatest success since the Ashes series of 2005, more than 42,000 signatures have been penned on a petition to secure cricket’s return to terrestrial TV.
Sunday’s Cricket World Cup final attracted a peak audience of 8.3 million whilst simulcast on Sky Sports and Channel 4/More 4.
That figure represented the highest number of domestic eyeballs on English cricket since the 2005 Ashes series – the last time International cricket was free-to-air in the UK.
The petition was set up by Ben Craig on the non-profit activism website 38 degrees, with his motive on the website stating: “I grew up on free-to-air cricket and my parents couldn’t afford Sky Sports. The next generation shouldn’t miss out.”
The ECB will be keen to capitalise on the increased attention and status cricket has experienced following the World Cup, something they previously failed to do following on from the ’05 Ashes.
Sky’s cricket coverage has been widely praised for it’s in-depth nature and frequent innovations, but viewing figures remain stuck in the hundreds-of-thousands as many across the nation refuse to acquiesce to a paywall structure to view cricket.
The chances of some form of agreement being manufactured between Sky and a terrestrial broadcaster remain unknown, but pressure from politicians, the sports administrators and the general public appears to be growing.
Latest
-
EnglandDawid Malan and Jos Buttler hit hundreds as England fight back in South Africa
Buttler’s men are bidding to avoid a series clean sweep and a sixth successive loss in the ODI format.
-
County CricketTom Curran taking break from red-ball cricket for ‘my body and my mental health’
The 27-year-old has endured injury problems in recent years.
-
The AshesOlly Stone hopes to play a role in an England pace trio during this year’s Ashes
Stone hopes to play a role this summer along with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.
-
EnglandOlly Stone ready for whatever role is required to make England World Cup squad
‘Any way in the England team, I’ll snap someone’s hand off,’ said Stone.
-
Women's CricketDane van Niekerk ‘absolutely broken’ to miss World Cup over fitness standards
The South Africa captain was unable to complete a two-kilometre run in the minimum required time.
-
EnglandRun of defeats has not damaged England’s confidence, insists Moeen Ali
The all-rounder is confident England will be in good shape for the defence of their World Cup crown.
-
County CricketLancashire sign New Zealand pair Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme
The all-rounders will be available to play in the LV= Insurance County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast throughout the season.
-
EnglandJos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm as England lose to South Africa
The hosts won the second ODI by five wickets to clinch the series in Bloemfontein.
-
South AfricaTemba Bavuma hits hundred as South Africa secure ODI series win over England
The Proteas chased down 343 at Bloemfontein to go 2-0 up in the three-match series.
-
EnglandJos Buttler and Harry Brook give England hope of levelling ODI series
England reached 342 for seven against South Africa, with Buttler making 94 and Brook 80.