ECB set for £125m deal to show county games in Asia, say reports

The England and Wales Cricket Board is preparing to announce a £125m broadcast deal with ESPN to show county games in Asia. The deal covers a three-year period – with the possibility of a further two years – starting next year, it has been reported. The period also includes two tours of England by India. The previous contract signed in 2008 was worth around £23m. The ESPN deal will run alongside the next Sky broadcasting contract, which is worth around £260m, reports the Daily Telegraph. As part of the ESPN deal, the ECB is discussing new anti-corruption security arrangements at county matches that will be televised live. These will include tighter restrictions on access to dressing rooms and the confiscation of players' mobile phones during matches.