TNT Sports has acquired the broadcast rights for the India-England Test series

There were concerns that the series would face a television blackout in the UK with no broadcast deal agreed and the first Test scheduled to begin in Hyderabad on 25 January.

TNT Sports has acquired the broadcast rights for England's upcoming five-match Test series against India.

With the first Test scheduled to begin in Hyderabad on January 25, there were fears that the series would face a TV blackout in the UK with no broadcast deal agreed beforehand.

A similar scenario played out ahead of the 2021 tour of England, with Channel 4 swooping in at the eleventh hour to return Test cricket to free-to-air television.

^{India has not lost a men's Test series at home to England since 2012 [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

^{The series will end in Dharamsala [Getty Images]}

A TNT spokesperson confirmed to the Press Association that a deal had been agreed as part of a five-year contract giving the broadcaster, formerly known as BT Sport, exclusive rights to all local series in India. England are scheduled to return to India in early 2025 for the white-ball tour.

The broadcaster already owns the rights to international cricket in Australia, New Zealand and the West Indies, particularly showing the previous two Ashes series, with Sky Sports instead prioritizing home series in England and major ICC events.

Details surrounding TNT's coverage, including which critics it will attract, have yet to be confirmed.

The 16-strong England squad is currently in the UAE preparing for the first Test. From Hyderabad, the series will move to Visakhapatnam (February 2-6), Rajkot (February 15-19) and Ranchi (February 23-27) before concluding in Dharamsala (March 7-11).

Ben Stokes' side are aiming to become the first English team to win a men's Test series in India since 2012. India completed a 3-1 win when the two teams meet in 2021.

Related topics