ARE YOU AWARE OF THE THREAT TO INVESTMENT IN CRICKET?
The Government is currently consulting on the report of an advisory group chaired by David Davies which has recommended that future Ashes Test Series in this country should only be available on free-to-air TV, and that highlights of all other cricket should no longer be protected for showing on free-to-air channels.
The advisory group did not take account of the financial impact this decision would have on cricket as a result of a severe reduction in the ECB’s ability to invest in all levels of the game. Nor did it take expert advice on the negative impact it could have on how cricket is covered on TV. The ECB gets 80% of its income from broadcasting rights, and it has been advised that if the Davies Report recommendations were implemented there would be a loss of at least £120 million over a four year period. The impact would be felt at all levels of the game, and we believe it would mean drastic cuts in HCCA’s development and playing programmes.
Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has asked for views on these questions and it is important that everyone in cricket who is concerned at the recommendations writes to the Secretary of State, and to their local MP and Prospective Parliamentary candidates, by 5 March 2010.
A note from the ECB setting out the facts can be seen here.
Please send your letters to your MP and to:
Ben Bradshaw MP
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
2-4 Cockspur Street
London
SW1Y 5DH
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