Cricket fans in the UK might face disappointment, as the much-anticipated October Test series between England and Pakistan could go untelevised. Despite the excitement surrounding the three-match series, no UK broadcaster has shown interest in securing the rights to air the matches.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a tender last month, but it failed to attract bids from UK broadcasters, putting the series at risk of a TV blackout. According to The Guardian, Sky Sports, which aired England’s historic 3-0 series win in Pakistan in December 2022, has informed the PCB that it does not plan to bid for the rights this time. Similarly, TNT Sport, which has recently covered Test series in Australia, India, New Zealand, and the West Indies, has also opted out.
The PCB complicated matters by using a local marketing agency to sell the overseas rights, rather than partnering with global companies like IMG or Pitch International, who previously secured late deals for England’s tours. UK broadcasters are now focusing on exclusive rights for England’s home series and major ICC events like the World Cup, citing the high costs of acquiring overseas rights and the challenges of justifying these expenses given limited subscriber growth.
With Sky and TNT Sport both opting out, uncertainty surrounds the broadcast of the series in the UK, sparking concerns that British audiences may miss England’s Test matches in Pakistan. The series starts on October 7, with matches scheduled in Multan, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
