The BBC has signed the exclusive radio broadcasting rights to all India’s incoming cricket tours for the next four years, including England’s series which starts next month as well as their tour in spring 2009.
The deal allows the BBC to broadcast live commentary across any of its radio networks on a total of ten series between India and international touring sides including Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa.
Roger Mosey, Director, BBC Sport, said: “We believe it’s vital for cricket that there should be live free-to-air broadcasting, so we’re delighted that the BBC’s radio services, including the BBC Asian Network, will be offering live coverage from India.
“This will be supported by our strong online news service and by reporting across our TV and radio channels.”
England’s forthcoming tour of India will be broadcast live and in full on Test Match Special on BBC Five Live Sports Extra and Radio 4 LW.
Jonathan Agnew, Christopher Martin-Jenkins and Simon Mann commentate on the three Tests whilst legendary cricketers Geoffrey Boycott and Sunil Gavaskar provide expert analysis.
Simon is then joined by Jonny Saunders for the seven one-day internationals.
The BBC has the rights to the Ashes series in Australia later this year as well as full commentary rights on the Cricket World Cup from the West Indies in 2007.