The downside of this decision, and it's a big downside, is that the ECB wont get anything like the money for the rights from terrestrial channels than they would get from the pay TV companies. (we assume SKY would be the highest bidder) Therefore there would be a dramatic cut in the funding for grassroots cricket in England and Wales. This will be hugely detrimental in terms of facilities and the quality of coaching for young players and we could see the England side return to the doldrums of world cricket. I hate Murdoch and everything he stands for, I think most of us do. But I have to admit that SKYs cricket coverage is excellent, much better than the snorefest that used to be served up by the BBC.
The ECB just cant afford to go along with this decision and I wont be surprised if we see this end up going through the courts.
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