Photography ban threatens Test coverage

MAJOR international news agencies are likely to suspend coverage of the India against England Test series after the Indian cricket board barred photo agencies from covering the games.

The first Test was due to start in Ahmedabad overnight but the News Media Coalition (NMC), has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lift the restrictions on the local and international picture firms.

“The BCCI’s move will hit fans and cricket sponsors. The BCCI has offered to make its own photographs available but this is no substitute for independent and objective press photography,” said NMC director Andrew Moger.

NMC members include Thomson Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Associated Press, the international photo agency Getty Images and Britain’s Press Association. Most of them have announced they will suspend text and photo coverage if the restrictions are not lifted.

“Despite numerous opportunities, the BCCI has yet to explain why it is discriminating against photographic agencies or indeed whether other news sectors will be targeted next.” Moger added.