Cricket World Cup final to be shown free-to-air in UK following C4 and Sky tie-up

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final will be shown on free-to-air television in the UK after Channel 4 and Sky struck a deal to make the match available to the whole of the country, not just those with a Sky subscription.

Coverage of the final will be shown live on Channel 4 and More 4 as well as on Sky Sports, which holds the UK broadcast rights for live coverage of the Cricket World Cup.

No live cricket has been shown free-to-air on UK television since 2005.

Sunday also sees live free to air coverage of the Formula 1 British GP on Channel 4 – the only live free to air Grand Prix to be shown this season after a separate partnership was agreed with Sky.

Channel 4 chief executive Alex Mahon said: “This is fantastic news for cricket fans and the nation.

“This Sunday is a massive day for British sport with England tantalisingly close to lifting the Cricket World Cup for the first time and Lewis Hamilton setting his sights on his seventh season win at Silverstone – all live on Channel 4.

“The big winners of this strong partnership between Channel 4 and Sky are sports fans and viewers who want to come together for these big sporting occasions.”

Sky UK and Ireland chief executive Stephen van Rooyen said: “England in the Final on home soil is a huge moment for sport in this country and we are proud to be the host broadcaster.

“Thanks to our strong relationship with Channel 4, we are partnering to make the game available to everyone, so the whole country can get behind England, and be part of a special national sporting event.”

Channel 4 will carry Sky’s coverage of the cricket final from 9am. Cricket coverage moves to More 4 at 1.15pm while the British Grand Prix airs on Channel 4 with the cricket returning to Channel 4 after the race has finished.

Live coverage from Lord’s will also be available on Sky One.

Sky Sports is also showing the British Grand Prix on Sunday, alongside the Scottish Open golf and England in action from the Netball World Cup in Liverpool.