Sky and New Zealand Cricket sign five-year deal

New Zealand's domestic and international matches will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Television until the end of the 2008-09 season, after the two parties agreed to a five-year deal. Every home Test and one-day international will be televised live, and several rounds of the State Shield one-day series will also be shown.

"The Black Caps are an exciting side and this, coupled with the strength of State domestic cricket, ensures that cricket is recognised as New Zealand's summer game," said Martin Snedden, NZC's chief executive, who was delighted with the deal. "Sky's commitment to this partnership will ensure that the New Zealand public are provided with quality cricket coverage until 2009."

Sri Lanka visit New Zealand in December for two Tests and five one-day internationals, and following hot on their heels will be the Australians, who arrive in February for a further five ODIs plus three Tests. In the 2005-06 season, New Zealand will host Zimbabwe and West Indies, and the year after that it will be Bangladesh and India who make the trip. In 2007-08 Sri Lanka and England are the visitors, and in 2008-09 Pakistan and Australia complete the package.