Cricket: Sky secures all TV rights for five more years

11.00am

Sky Television has secured exclusive rights to all domestic and international cricket coverage for another five years.

Sky and New Zealand Cricket today confirmed a new five-year deal, giving the network exclusive rights until the end of the 2008-9 season.

Every home test and one-day international will continue to be televised live on Sky, along with several rounds of the State Shield one-day series and the finals.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said he was delighted with the five-year deal, which demonstrated the strength of interest in cricket nationally.

"The Black Caps are an exciting side and this coupled with the strength of State domestic cricket ensures that cricket is recognised as New Zealand's summer game.

"Sky's commitment to this partnership will ensure that the New Zealand public are provided with quality cricket coverage until 2009."

The first home series in December will be against Sri Lanka and includes five one-day internationals and two tests.

That series will be followed by a visit from Australia in February, and involve five one-day internationals and three tests.

In 2005-6, New Zealand will host Zimbabwe and the West Indies, in 2006-7 Bangladesh and India, in 2007-08 Sri Lanka and England, and in 2008-09 Pakistan and Australia.

- NZPA