Channel 5 has secured a landmark four-year agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to broadcast four England T20 internationals annually—two men’s and two women’s matches—beginning in 2025. This deal reintroduces live England cricket to free-to-air television, following the BBC’s decision to cease airing live internationals under its renewed contract.

The inaugural broadcast under this agreement was the women’s T20 match between England and the West Indies on May 26, 2025. Subsequent fixtures include the men’s match against the West Indies on June 8, the women’s game versus India on June 28, and the men’s encounter with South Africa on September 14. These matches will also be accessible via Channel 5’s streaming platform, My5.
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This development follows the ECB’s unsuccessful attempt in 2024 to secure a free-to-air partner for T20 internationals, after offers from broadcasters like the BBC, Channel 4, and ITV fell short. Channel 5’s new commitment addresses concerns about cricket’s limited visibility on public platforms, aiming to broaden the sport’s reach.
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While Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to all England home internationals and domestic competitions until 2028, Channel 5’s involvement ensures that a selection of T20 matches remains accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, Channel 5 will stream highlights of the T20 Blast, further enhancing its cricket coverage.

This initiative is part of Channel 5’s broader strategy to expand its sports portfolio, which includes live boxing, darts, and NFL coverage. By reintroducing live England cricket to free-to-air television, Channel 5 aims to foster greater public engagement with the sport