Free-to-air World Cup final possible says ICC

David Richardson, the chief executive of the ICC, says talks are underway to show the final on 14th July at Lord's on free-to-air in the UK

Talks to broadcast the World Cup final on free-to-air television in the UK next month are underway, the ICC has confirmed.

Sky are currently broadcasting the event live, while TV highlights are being shown on Channel 4 with clips of all the games also available on the BBC Sport website.

However David Richardson, the chief executive of the ICC, has stated talks have begun to show the final on 14 July at Lord's on free-to-air in the UK.

"I know that the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and the local organising committee are working with the Sky people to try to maximise the reach for the match," Richardson told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek.

"We are hopeful that something can be arranged in that regard," he added.

So far in the tournament, Channel 4 has been criticised by some for the time late at night at which they have been showing highlights.

However, they have assured viewers that highlights from England's matches are shown "as early as possible" in their schedule, while they "will look to air more matches in an earlier slot" during the latter stages of the tournament.

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