Sky Sports has extended its broadcast rights deal with the ICC until the end of 2031, in what is the first time the pair have had a direct contractual relationship.The new agreement starts in 2024, and includes the ICC broadcast and digital rights to show all men’s and women’s events run by cricket’s international governing body - such as the ICC Cricket World Cups and ICC T20 World Cups, of which the England men’s side is the current holder of both. Australia is the reigning champion of both of the women’s editions.Each year of the deal will see a major international men’s and women’s event as well as a World Test Championship Final every two years. In total there will be 28 senior and age group international events in its duration.This comes after Sky extended its rights agreement with the ECB last year, retaining domestic and England international cricket on its channels - with some free-to-air coverage provided through the BBC and YouTube.ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to partner with Sky Sports until 2031 as the home of ICC cricket in the UK and Ireland. For the first time the partnership will be a direct relationship with Sky Sports which gives us some exciting opportunities for innovative collaborations.“I am confident this partnership can support our long-term ambition to attract more players and more fans to the game.”Jonathan Licht, MD, Sky Sports, added: “With more people watching cricket at the highest-level after England men’s and women’s successes in 2017, 2019 and 2022, our award-winning coverage strives to give cricket fans the complete experience, with all the action both on and off the pitch.“This new direct partnership with the ICC means that Sky Sports viewers in the UK & Ireland can continue to enjoy every ball, run, wicket and catch from every international tournament for many years to come, and we’re all hugely excited to see what’s in store.”England’s victories in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final and 2022 T20 World Cup Final were shown through both Sky Sports and Channel 4, after, in both cases, the latter agreed late deals with Sky to show the matches once England’s places in them were confirmed.
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