Cricket World Cup final FTA?
July 5, 2019
By Colin Mann
Sky will make the ICC Cricket World Cup final available on free-to-air television should England make it to the showpiece event at Lord’s on Sunday July 14th. Such a prospect had been raised by a number of cricketing figures, including members of the England team.
England beat New Zealand to secure a place in the semi-finals, and are now looking to reach a first World Cup final since 1992. It would be the first time since 1979 that England have reached the final on home soil, and Sky will ensure as wide an audience as possible is able to watch the game should England qualify.
“We are proud to be the broadcaster for a home Cricket World Cup – one of the world’s biggest and most exciting sporting events,” declared Stephen van Rooyen, Sky UK and Ireland Chief Executive. “Our aim has always been to celebrate what could be a ‘once in a generation’ moment of a home team in a big final on home soil. So, if England reach the final, we will make the match available to everyone so the whole country can be part of a rare and special big sporting moment.”
England’s semi-final opponents and venue will be confirmed at the end of the group stage, with both semi-finals live on the dedicated channel ‘Sky Sports Cricket World Cup’ next week.
Should England not make the final, the match will be available across Sky Sports channels on a bumper day of sport that will also include the British Grand Prix, Scottish Open golf and England in action from the Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
Viewers without a Sky subscription can watch the final via a day pass with NOW TV. Highlights of the final will be available on Channel 4, while fans can also enjoy the match in licensed Sky venues and at ICC fanzones.
Sky’s cricket coverage began in 1990 with the first ever ball-by-ball coverage of an overseas tour of West Indies. Over three decades, Sky Sports has developed increasingly innovative and engaging coverage and invested more than £2 billion in the sport helping drive better facilities, coaching and central contracts across the men’s and women’s game.
In 2020, Sky takes on an even closer role as a partner with the ECB in driving participation, using its knowledge and resources to make a difference in cricket and drive further change.