There is increasing concern that Scotland might be thrown out of England's domestic one-day competition due to their staging "offshore" tournaments which, the ECB say, "could dilute moneys coming into the game".
Scotland have organised an international between India and Pakistan in Glasgow on July 3, an event that hopes to raise £2.5m for the Princes Trust while celebrating the 60th anniversary of independence for both countries. However, the one-dayer is to be broadcast by Zee TV - not ESPN, who pay the ECB a sizeable amount of money to broadcast all England's international cricket to Asia. Consequently, Scotland's deal with Zee TV could weaken the ECB's next TV deal with ESPN.
"There is a serious concern that offshore matches could dilute moneys coming into the game in the long term," said David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, told the Daily Telegaph.
Ireland are in a similar situation. They face India and South Africa for two one-dayers in June, preceding a series of ODIs between the two nations. But this clashes with England matches on June 29 and July 1. Again, TV coverage is at the heart of the issue.
A spokesman from Cricket Scotland told Cricinfo that negotiations have been taking place for several months but they expect to reach a conclusion this week.
Comments
Posted by: Fizaan at May 29, 2007 3:10 PM
The answer to these coverage problems is Sky Sports. They have a very good interactive system which they use for World Cups and other tournaments. With all these games clashing it is best for them to be broadcasted on Sky Sports Interactive so that viewers can choose to watch the game they want.
Posted by: Rich B at May 29, 2007 3:27 PM
This is ridiculous - the ECB are supposed to be helping the development of cricket in other European countries, but as soon as it starts taking off in Ireland and Scotland they're threatening them with a big stick.
Time for the ICC to intervene, although we won't hold out much hope.
Posted by: Trevor Chesterfield at May 29, 2007 6:26 PM
It's pathetic to put the squeeze on two national bodies because they are looking after their own financial interests first. Neither Scotland nor Ireland are part of the England and Wales Cricket Board, why should they be penalised for trying to strengthen their financial position? The EC(W)B need to think carefully and not act like children denied a playstation. Both Scotland and Ireland may play in a slogs event, but when it comes to their own development they are denied a chance. What sort of democracy is this? The game is for everyone and it's time others need to understand this simple fact of life. Chesters
Posted by: Bobby Patel at May 30, 2007 2:11 AM
ECB should ban all matches that are played within its territory, and block the matches since it has a deal with ESPN and it's in their interest and their national interest. They should allow the matches to be viewed as pay-per-view and should cover the lost revenu, if there are any since England is playing too.
Posted by: Kweek at May 30, 2007 10:20 AM
how can England cricket board decide who broadcasts what?! Scotland and Ireland aren't even part of the ECB thus the ECB can't sign contracts like that!
shame, and a shame for world cricket!
Posted by: Q Mulla at May 30, 2007 10:43 AM
It's just not cricket!!!
Scottish Cricket Union's positve measure to hold off shore cricket matches on their soil will only help the grwoth of the sport in Scotland.
Expulsion from the county circuit is a harsh measure against the growth of cricket in Scotland.
It is in the interests of all parties to reach an ammicable and financially suitable solution to the issue- expulsion from the county circuit is not a solution but a step backwards, ECB should not resort to this measure as it will be detrimental to the growth of cricket.
Posted by: AWade at May 30, 2007 11:18 AM
This is just another example of how money driven this game has become. We saw ICC destroy the WC in the westindies by overpricing tickets and now this is jst another example of executives interested in profits rather than spreading the game. Think the ICC, ECB, BCCI etc need to be run by cricketers rather than politicians and businessmen.
Posted by: Andrew Campbell at May 30, 2007 11:31 AM
It's an absolute disgrace, but I guess the problem boils down to the ECB's contract with ESPN which covers all games played in the United Kingdom (which includes Scotland and Northern Ireland). I'm sure the quadrangular series between the West Indies, Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands being played in the republic isn't a problem. What really bugs me is the ECB didn't give to hoots about the Vodafone challenge game last year played in Belfast, but the minute big $$$ are involved, they cry like a spoilt brat.
Posted by: Uzair Rehan at May 30, 2007 12:54 PM
Its ridiculous!Its in the best interest of world cricket that these two nations play as much international cricket as possible. Expulsion from county cricket circuit would be a sever growth to cricket's development in that region.
Posted by: Nafi Karim at May 31, 2007 3:15 AM
Like the majority of the people, I think this is just ridiculous on the part of ECB they are supposed to be helping the development of cricket in other European countries.
Posted by: sreekumar at May 31, 2007 6:26 PM
This is just not cricket
Posted by: Kane at June 4, 2007 3:42 AM
It's about time the ECB got off it's high horse and actually supporting European cricket. The exposure of high quality cricket games in Ireland and Scotland are having a beneficial effect on the health of the game in Europe. I think England are scared they'll end up losing to either Ireland or Scotland soon. Can't wait for it to happen!!
Posted by: Haisum Abbas at June 28, 2007 5:46 PM
This is a very good step for introducing the cricket in Ireland and Scotland
Web Feeds
