BBC Sport audio deal with Cricket Australia
November 3, 2023
BBC Sport has announced an audio deal with Cricket Australia for live cricket coverage across BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, 5 Live and BBC Sounds including commentary on the Men’s and Women’s Ashes.
It extends the long term relationship and the deal means the BBC will bring audiences live ball by ball commentary on the iconic Test Match Special (TMS) of Australia vs England matches to 2026/27, including the next women’s and men’s Ashes series (in late 2024 and 2025/26 respectively) as well as an England men’s ODI/T20 tour of Australia scheduled for late 2026.
In addition the BBC will also provide live audio commentary of all the other men’s and women’s Australia internationals taking place in Australia, as well coverage of the Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League competitions.
Heidi Dawson, Controller, BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra, commented: “We are delighted that Test Match Special will remain as the home of ball-by-ball commentary for the next Men’s and Women’s Ashes. Both series last summer were captivating and they brought in record numbers to listeners to 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. The return series in Australia will be hugely anticipated and Cricket fans will be able to follow every moment on Sports Extra, Sounds, 5 Live and the BBC Sport website and app.”
Abhi Arunachalam, CA Head of Media Rights, added: “We’re extremely pleased to continue our longstanding partnership with the BBC and that cricket in Australia will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The historic rivalry between Australia and England has gone to another level in recent years and we’re particularly thrilled that the next men’s and women’s Ashes series in Australia will be broadcast by the BBC’s iconic Test Match Special team. This partnership will also ensure international cricket and the Big Bash Leagues will enjoy widespread exposure in the UK and cricket fans in that part of the world will get the best possible coverage.”