Sky has made an eleventh hour agreement with the Pakistan Cricket Board to screen coverage of England’s tour of Pakistan.
Not for the first time in the sub-continent arrangements have been left until the last minute – the first test begins on October 7 – but on this occasion no TV networks entered negotiations.
Sky broadcast England’s last tour of Pakistan in December 2022.
Sky Sports will take the host broadcaster’s feed, which is expected to feature David Gower, who has worked regularly in the country since he left Sky Sports in 2019. Sky commentators Ian Ward, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton are also expected to feature.
Once the only source of international cricket, Sky has been beaten to a number of series by TNT Sports/BT Sport. Its deal with Cricket Australia for matches including The Ashes expires this summer and the market will watch to see if they seek a renewal as the value of international cricket rights falls.
TNT Sports also hold the rights to internationals played in the West Indies, New Zealand and India.