Televised Live Cricket CoverageThe days of free-to-air, televised live cricket coverage are long gone. Most televised live cricket is now via satellite subscription channels, while free viewing is limited to highlights packages. But, the compensations include high quality commentary, and a wide range of high-tech analysis tools on TV. It would be very dull to simply list the forthcoming satellite TV fixture list. The TV channels that were licensed for the 2007 Cricket World Cup are still among the best in the business, so try this link to see who they are and what services they offer. The table at the end of the article is a really useful reference.
You’ll notice that some of these channels also broadcast live cricket on the internet, radio and mobile and transmit to large parts of the globe.
The increased choice of media and wide global coverage by the major broadcasters is an increasing trend, and is good news for cricket fans, as a spot of healthy competition is sure to drive down pay-per-view prices. Pay-per-view cricket is widely available, so here is a little information about the biggest and the best channels. Your global location dictates which live cricket channel your TV can receive, and whether this is via satellite, cable or both. Sky Sports British Sky Broadcasting (Sky Sports) provide an excellent service to UK and Ireland viewers, but not elsewhere. There’s a high standard of commentary from ex test players, live action and highlights, and lots of high tech analysis to promote discussion. Sky shows live cricket coverage from all over the world, the next blockbuster series being England v West Indies then the much awaited England v Australia Ashes series this summer. If you subscribe to Sky Sports and Sky Multiroom, you can also receive the same Sky Sports live cricket coverage as a live stream broadcast over broadband internet on your PC. This is a new service and there are a few technology issues. You'll have to pay extra for each cricket event, as with other online streaming services. This is for the really keen cricket fan, as Sky Multiroom means that you can already watch the cricket on at least two other screens in your home. Setanta Sports The downside of Sky is the cost and commitment, as only their more expensive contract packages include Sky Sports. Alternatively, you might be interested in Setanta Sports who provide digital sports coverage in the UK and Ireland for £12.99 per month, with no long term contract. This buys you a 12 channel sports pack for satellite or Freeview, including cricket and several other premium sports channels. Channel Nine and ESPN Channel Nine has historically broadcast live cricket free-to-air in Australia, but since 1995, Fox Sports satellite coverage has provided stiff competition. However, ESPN Star Sports now have exclusive rights to broadcast Cricket Australia’s domestic and home international matches for four years, across TV, internet, mobile and radio covering the entire Asian region. Star Cricket The latest major development in live cricket broadcasting was in June 2007, when the ESPN Star cable TV network launched a 24 hour cricket channel called Star Cricket targeting Indian audiences. ESPN Star has a massive audience, transmitting to 25 countries and 150 million households across Asia. Star Cricket is also available via the satellite broadcasters TataSky TV and Dish TV. It includes live cricket, highlights and cricket news updates, a real feast for cricket fans. Many live cricket transmissions are also available on the internet – check out my article on
cricket streaming.
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