Kiwi fans plead for free-to-air cricket final if England lose
EXPAT cricket fans have demanded that the world cup final is broadcast free on television even if England fail to make through today’s semi-final.
New Zealand supporters believe there are so many expats living in the UK that they should be able to watch the match without paying.
It comes after the country’s shock victory against India put them through to the final on Sunday.
Sky Sports has already promised to screen the game on free-to-air channels, but only if England win today’s match against Australia.
But Chris Hamilton, from the London New Zealand Cricket Club, urged the broadcaster to reconsider.
“There are about 60,000 Kiwis living in the UK, and lots more Aussies,” he said. “So there’s many, many cricket fans who would love to watch the game, but can’t get along to Lords.
“I think Sky should show the game for free, even if England lose. Not just for us, but for the good of the game. The more viewers the better.”
It comes amid concern over dwindling audiences for cricket since England won the 2005 Ashes, which was shown on Channel 4. Since then, the sport has mostly been shown on paidfor channels.
England’s 31-run win against India attracted a peak audience of 1.78million and an audience reach of 3.45million. In comparison, nearly 12 million people tuned in to watch the England women’s football team play a semi-final on the BBC earlier this month.
Stephen van Rooyen, chief executive of Sky UK and Ireland, has said: “Our aim has always been to celebrate what could be a ‘once in a generation’ moment of a home team in a big final on home soil. So, if England reach the final, we will make the match available to everyone so the whole country can be part of a rare and special moment.”
Cricket World Cup: Sport, page 2