At the time of writing this, we’re currently half way through day two of the Commonwealth Games. So far there’s been some incredible squash matches, or so we’ve been told.
Up to this point, every single Home Nations player has won their opening round matches. Countless Home Nations victories. And yet, not a single match available to watch. Not live, not on demand. Nowhere.
And the amazing results have extended outside the Home Nations. On the opening day, 14 year old Anahat Singh made history as one of the youngest ever squash players to win a match at the Commonwealth Games. A match that many, no doubt, would have enjoyed watching. Again, nowhere to be found.
No Round One or Two coverage of squash from the BBC
As I sit here this evening, I’m only too aware that the English contingent of James Willstrop, Patrick Rooney, SJ Perry and Gina Kennedy are on court as I type. I’d love to know the scores, but even they aren’t available until after the match.
To rub the salt in the wounds, it’s not like streaming the squash would be difficult. In fact, the infrastructure’s already there. The clued-up commentary team of Joey Barrington, Laura Massaro and Johnny Williams are covering the matches, and the cameras are well-and-truly rolling.
Those fortunate to be in Australia have had full coverage for the last two days. I’m no expert, but this really is one of those ‘how hard can it be’ questions.
And yet here we are…
Alas, here we are as squash fans, having been subjected to two days of refreshing the BBC iPlayer menu, only to have been greeted with the sight of…wait for it…Lawn Bowls. The peaceful pass-time your grandparents partake in to keep them occupied throughout their retirement. My Grandma’s quite a dab hand at it, or so she leads me to believe.
Not that there’s anything wrong with showing Lawn Bowls, in fact, the more sports the merrier. It’s just perplexing that a sport such as squash, played by so many people across the UK, finds itself completely snubbed by the BBC.
I’m not sure why I’m writing this. Perhaps I’m turning more bitter with old age. Maybe the average age of the Lawn Bowls players is rubbing off on me. If this is me now at 27, I’m elated at the thought of ageing into my thirties.
Anyhow, sort it out please, BBC.
Here’s hoping there’s some decent coverage from the Quarter Finals onwards.
Yours truly,
A squash fan who can’t take another day of Lawn Bowls.
100 per cent agree. Shame on the BBC.
Squash is 1 of the 7 core sports. You should be showing these sports. Why is squash not on our tv!
Come on BBC let’s see some squash televised at the Commonwealth Games.
Why???? That’s the main question
No wonder squash can’t get in the olympics😥
Come in BBC. Your not helping a great sport
Dead right Rob, I was thinking exactly the same thing, does someone at the BBC have a grudge?
I agree very little commentary on squash fast skilled and exciting. Beach volley ball is mentioned more. No comparison .
Come on BBC be fair, Not to mention but I want to see my grand daughter in action she has committed so much to this as have all the players
Just made a complaint to the BBC directly.
Was at the first day, and all that BBC had to report was that a 14 yo beat a not very remarkable player. No coverage of a fantastic match where a Sri Lankan came back from 2-0 and 8-4 down to win 3-2.
Shame on the BBC.
I went to the matches on the 31st saw willstropp Maikin and Sara Jayne Perry
It was a great night the crowd was brill supporting all the different nations
BBC get some coverage on the screen before it’s too late
Pleeeaaassee
FYI I Tweeted Squash england and the bbc on this so maybe if enough people do so it might get a result 🤞
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/621161/sponsors/new?token=Nsh5nN8OjHxyzUT54wIS
So now they are showing quarter finals, better late than never!