Sky TV Prepares Extensive Cricket Coverage for Summer Season
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Sky TV Prepares Extensive Cricket Coverage for Summer Season
- Sky TV in New Zealand is gearing up for a significant summer of cricket, with India's tour kicking off their coverage of home international matches, which they regained the broadcast rights for after April 2020.
- Gary Burchett, Sky's Head of Sport Content, who previously worked on Fox Sports' Big Bash League coverage, is leading the production efforts.
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Sky TV is preparing for a major summer of cricket, marking the return of home international matches to the platform for the first time since April 2020. The network aims to make a strong impression with its coverage, beginning with India’s tour. Gary Burchett, Sky’s Head of Sport Content, is at the forefront of these production plans. Burchett, who joined Sky NZ from Disney Star in July 2024, has a notable background in cricket broadcasting, including his role as executive producer of cricket at Fox Sports Australia from 2009 to 2015.
During his time with Fox Sports, Burchett was involved in the production of the Big Bash League (BBL), where innovations such as player microphones and flashing “Zing” bails and stumps were introduced. The Zing Wicket System, which features LED lights in the bails and stumps that illuminate when dislodged, was first adopted in the BBL in 2012. This technology, invented by Bronte Eckermann, helps officials with close decisions by indicating the precise moment a bail is removed.
Sky has secured extensive cricket rights, including a five-year deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) through 2028, covering 16 international events like the ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups. They also hold a four-year agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for English home international fixtures until the 2030 English cricketing summer, and a renewed partnership with the BCCI for all men’s international matches in India for four years, extending until 2028. Sky is also the official broadcast partner for New Zealand Cricket’s home matches. The commentary team for Sky Sport has previously included well-known figures such as Ian Smith, Simon Doull, Craig McMillan, and Mark Richardson.