Decision close on Ashes for TV viewers

A DECISION on whether Ashes cricket returns to free-to-air television as one of British sport’s “crown jewels” will be taken before the General Election, the Government said yesterday.

Culture Secretary Ben Bradshaw has provisionally accepted the recommendations of an inquiry into TV sport led by David Davies, the former executive director of the Football Association. His final decision on whether to accept new events on to the list of those which must be available for free will be made shortly after the consultation ends in March.

The inquiry led by Davies recommended adding the home Ashes series against Australia, England’s football tournament qualifying matches, golf’s Open Championship, Wimbledon and the Rugby World Cup to the list of protected events.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has warned the loss of revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights to prestigious events could hit funding for grassroots sport.