ECB worried over Ashes ‘crown jewels’ return 10/11/2009 |
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The decision to return the Ashes to the ‘crown jewels’ list of sporting events that must be broadcast on free-to-air channels would reportedly cost English cricket at least £120m.
A review of the listed events is being led by former FA executive director David Davies and speculation is mounting that he will recommend a wide-ranging shake-up.
If the Ashes is returned to the list, the England & Wales Cricket Board’s £300m four-year deal with Sky could be affected, though the changes are likely to happen after that contract has expired.
Even so, the ECB will demand an economic impact study, according to The Times, because such a move would prevent live action being shown on pay-TV after 2013.
The ECB will argue that protecting the Ashes would threaten its grassroots programme and future investment in the game because terrestrial broadcasters would not pay as much for the rights.
All cricket was removed from the ‘crown jewels’ list in 1997, the time of the previous review, after the ECB successfully lobbied ministers to be allowed to sell its rights to the highest bidder.
The ECB, which depends on broadcasting for 80 per cent of its income, has argued for the status quo to be maintained, especially after no terrestrial broadcaster submitted a bid for the present rights.
The panel will present its findings to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and they are likely to be published in the next week. Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe and Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw will then make the final decision on any changes.
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