The BBC has announced a new audio agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to broadcast all ICC events from 2024 to 2027.
This coverage will be available across BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website.
Coverage Details and Platforms
The agreement grants the BBC UK audio rights to all ICC competitions in the upcoming four-year cycle. Live commentary, presented in the distinctive TMS style, will commence with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting on June 1, where England will be defending their title.
Broad Range of ICC Competitions
The BBC will cover a variety of ICC events, including:
- The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in 2027
- The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in 2025
- World Test Championship Finals
- U19 World Cups
- Men’s and Women’s Champions Trophies
- Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, including the 2026 event in England
Historical Partnership
The BBC and the ICC have a longstanding relationship, with the BBC broadcasting every ICC men’s and women’s event since the first Women’s World Cup in 1973, up to the Men’s Cricket World Cup in India last year. Beyond live broadcasts, the BBC will also create additional content, including podcasts that review each ICC event since the inaugural Cricket World Cup held in England in 1975.
Statements from BBC and ICC Executives
Adam Mountford, BBC Head of Cricket, expressed enthusiasm about the extended partnership: “It’s great news that we’ve extended our audio rights partnership with the ICC for another four years. We know from our 50+ years of broadcasting Men’s and Women’s world tournaments that these are events that really resonate with audiences, and it’s brilliant that our new deal begins with England’s defense of their Men’s T20 World Cup title. Along with our partnerships with the England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Australia, and other organizations around the world, we have an amazing portfolio of live cricket for listeners to enjoy.”
Geoff Allardice, ICC Chief Executive, shared similar sentiments: “We are delighted to partner with the BBC, an organization renowned for its rich history in sports broadcasting. This collaboration will significantly elevate the audio experience for cricket fans, providing unparalleled access to ICC events over the next four years through the ICC’s digital platforms.”
About BBC Sport
BBC Sport is the sports division of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), providing comprehensive sports coverage for television, radio, and online platforms. Established on February 17, 1988, BBC Sport broadcasts a wide range of sports events and programs, including flagship shows like “Match of the Day,” “Test Match Special,” and “Today at Wimbledon”
About International Cricket Council (ICC)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for the sport of cricket. It was established in 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference by representatives from England, Australia, and South Africa. The ICC was renamed in 1965 and adopted its current name in 1989
News source: https://www.bbc.com/sport
