Cricket World Cup final to be broadcast on free-to-air TV if England qualify, Sky Sports announce

The broadcaster said on Friday that if England reach the July 14 final at Lord's it will 'ensure as wide an audience as possible is able to watch the game'

Sky Sports will broadcast the World Cup final on free-to-air television - if England qualify.

The broadcaster said on Friday that if England reach the July 14 final at Lord's - they are in semi-final action next week - it will "ensure as wide an audience as possible is able to watch the game".

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.

Sky UK and Ireland chief executive Stephen Van Rooyen said: "We are proud to be the broadcaster for a home Cricket World Cup - one of the world's biggest and most exciting sporting events.

"Our aim has always been to celebrate what could be a 'once in a generation' moment of a home team in a big final on home soil.

"So, if England reach the final, we will make the match available to everyone so the whole country can be part of a rare and special big sporting moment."