Adrian Sanders

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Test match discussions encouraging news for cricket fans - Sanders

8 June 2006

Responding to the news that the BBC has indicated that it is keen to hold "serious discussions" with BskyB on negotiating rights for test cricket, Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee member Adrian Sanders MP said:

"After pushing for a Select Committee inquiry I feel progress is being made especially in light of recently released figures showing a decrease in those watching test cricket. I hope these talks will result in at least the partial return of test cricket to terrestrial television."

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Responding to the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee Report into free-to-air cricket in England, Liberal Democrat Committee member Adrian Sanders MP said:

“The Report highlights two major failings by both the government and the ECB. Firstly, the Government should not have relied on a gentleman’s agreement between Lord Smith and Lord Maclaurin to secure terrestrial broadcasting rights to one of England’s best loved sports. I think that the Committee is absolutely right tot tell the government not to use such informal arrangements in the future.

“Secondly, the ECB should have had more faith in the England cricket team to succeed in the Ashes. A lack of confidence in the England team to inspire the nation and increase interest in the game resulted in a hasty agreement with Sky to end free to air cricket coverage.”

“Cricket was sold short by its governing body.”

Adrian Sanders fought for the inquiry to be held by the Committee back in September following the exciting climax of the Ashes series.

Adrian's PMQ on cricket.

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