EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) and its DISH Network announced that it has acquired the exclusive rights to the England Cricket Home tours for 2006 through 2009 from the England and Wales Cricket Board. This comes on the heels of EchoStar's Nov. 9 announcement that it acquired the rights to Pakistan National cricket for 2005 through 2008.

"The acquisition of English Cricket is significant as it represents all the world's premier cricket being played during the North American summer months," said Michael Kelly, executive vice president of DISH Network.

DISH Network will be offering a minimum of 70 days of cricket from May through September which will offer the world's greatest national teams of Australia, England, India, Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Zimbabwe. The world's greatest players will be on show including Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Inzamam ul Haq, and English bowling and batsman sensation Andrew (Freddie) Flintoff.

Tours include:

2006- Sri Lanka (three test matches, five ODIs and one Twenty/20) and Pakistan (four test matches, five ODIs and one Twenty/20)

2007- West Indies (four test matches, three ODIs and two Twenty/20s) and India (three test matches and seven ODIs)

2008- South Africa (five test matches, five ODIs and one Twenty/20) and New Zealand (three test matches, five ODIs and one Twenty/20)

2009- Australia (five test matches, seven ODIs and two Twenty/20s) and Zimbabwe (two test matches and three ODIs)

Additionally, DISH Network may also offer over the next four years:

England Senior Women International Matches (both one-day internationals and test matches) and Under 19 England and Women International Matches played in England and Wales.

Twenty/20 County Cup matches.

National Cricket League County matches.

C&G Trophy County matches.

"English cricket has experienced a renewed popularity following last summer's Ashes win versus Australia, and DISH Network is pleased it can bring its customers exclusive coverage," said Susan Arnold, vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "The exclusive agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board demonstrates DISH Network's continued support of the sport and its unmatched commitment to customer satisfaction."

Subscribers can visit www.dishnetwork.com/cricket for updates. To order or for more information on DISH Network, visit www.dishnetwork.com, call 1-800/333-DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

About EchoStar Communications Corporation

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 11.71 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network™, the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar's DISH Network at www.dishnetwork.com or call 1-800-333-DISH (3474).