SKY SPORTS AND TEST MATCH CRICKET

That this House recognises the contribution Sky Sports has made to the development of the broadcasting of cricket, particularly in the coverage of overseas tours; notes with alarm the fact that only, on average, about 200,000 people are watching the coverage of England test matches on Sky Sports and expresses concern about the impact this will have on the future health of the game; calls upon Sky Sports to accept the Minister of Sport's invitation to meet other broadcasters to discuss cricket coverage and the possible sharing of some live action with a free-to-air broadcaster in the 2007 season; is concerned that Sky Sports has not yet done a deal with a free-to-air broadcaster for highlights coverage of this winter's Ashes tour; and calls upon the channel to demonstrate its commitment to cricket and to corporate social responsibility by doing so as soon as possible.