David Collier, the chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board, said he was worried that a lack of interest among UK free-to-air broadcasters in the board’s domestic rights in the next cycle could hit its finances.
“We know there are tough economic times ahead,” Collier told the Evening Standard. “We have to ask the question why terrestrial television has not bid for sporting events.
“Sky has done a fantastic job, allowing us to invest in coaching, clubs and schools. There has to be a priority by all broadcasters to put a similar amount of investment in.”
Public-service broadcaster the BBC did not submit a bid for the board’s rights the last time they were tendered.
Pay-television broadcaster BSkyB is the board’s main domestic rights-holder in a four-year deal from 2009 to 2013, worth over £250 million (€301 million/$383 million). Sky’s deal covers live rights for England Test matches, one-day internationals, Twenty20 matches and domestic competitions.
Commercial broadcaster Channel Five acquired highlights rights for international matches in the current cycle.