England celebrate victory over Australia
England celebrate victory over Australia

Cricket World Cup final will be on Channel 4 and Sky Sports after England set up a clash with New Zealand


The World Cup final will be available to watch on Channel 4 after England secured their spot in the final, the broadcaster has announced.

The tournament hosts will feature at Lord's after a convincing eight wickets victory over Australia in the semi-final on Thursday and they will now meet New Zealand for the trophy after the Black Caps upset the odds with a narrow 18 runs win over India at Old Trafford.

International cricket has been behind Sky's subscription paywall since 2005, and calls have been increasing for at least some of it to return to free-to-air television.

Channel 4 CEO 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 added: "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.