The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is opposing proposals to move the Ashes from Sky TV to BBC, saying the move would cost them 137.4 million pounds in broadcast revenues over a four-year period.

They have also warned the government that there could be a mass exodus of players from international cricket if the Ashes are screened on BBC.

"The evidence demonstrates starkly that placing the home Ashes series on List A would bring about a devastating collapse in the entire fabric of cricket in England from the playground to Test arena," The Independent quoted a ECB statement, as saying.

"It is not inconceivable that the funding shortfalls would precipitate a mass exodus of players from the international game," it added.

It is believed that the entire future of Test cricket is at stake due to a decision by the advisory panel on listed events that the Ashes after 2013 should be protected for free-to-air TV, effectively the BBC. (ANI)