Looking East

Today Sky Sports has been adding to the pressure on the English cricket authorities to reach some form of accommodation with the Indian Premier League.

I was at the extremely chilly second day of the Surrey v Lancashire match at the Oval yesterday, and Sky rather unsubtly contrasted the packed crowds of Indian cricket arenas with those in the UK. This was done by Sky placing their cameras in the Bedser stand (which was half full, a remarkable attendance given how cold it was) and taking shots of the empty pavilion.

What Sky neglected to inform its viewers of course, is that the pavilion is closed pending demolition of the Surrey Tavern, and renovation. Had spectators been able to enter that area they would.

Given Sky's big rival, Setanta, have the contract for showing the Indian Premier League, Sky must surely have been tempted to mention it as little as possible. Instead, they appear to be pushing its importance - hard.

Clearly Mr Murdoch will be bidding next time round............