Channel 4 to show World Cup 2019 highlights as cricket returns

Not since the 2005 Ashes has the free-to-air channel shown the sport, but an agreement has been struck with Star Sports and Sky

World Cup highlights will be available to watch via free-to-air television after Channel 4 announced they have obtained the rights for the tournament.

An agreement has been struck with global rights holders Star Sports and domestic broadcasters Sky Sports for cricket to return to the station for the first time since the 2005 Ashes when their seven-year deal ended.

Footage of each of the 48 matches, including the final on July 14 at Lord's, will be available to viewers this summer.

Women's World Cup and Ashes winner Isa Guha will lead the daily coverage.

“I’m excited to be part of the coverage and what is set to be one of the most thrilling and hotly contested World Cups to date," she said. "And the fact it’s being held in England and Wales makes it even more special.”

WORLD CUP HUB

Channel 4’s Head of Sport Pete Andrews added: “England are the no.1 ODI side in the world, they have a great chance of winning the World Cup on home soil.  We’re delighted to welcome cricket back to Channel 4 and hope that this will allow everyone to enjoy an amazing event.”

Highlights from every game will be shown on Channel 4 and programmes will also be available to watch again on All 4.

The BBC will show online clips from the tournament but opted against bidding for the television highlights package due to scheduling restrictions.

It comes after highlights of the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand were unavailable to viewers on free-to-air TV.