In a classic case of shutting the stable door after the horse has not only bolted but found lush new pastures, the UK government’s Culture, Media and Sport Committee said giving exclusive live broadcast rights to BSkyB would make a repeat of last summer's "Ashes fever" impossible.
And it said the sport's governing body had broken a "gentleman's agreement" to keep it on terrestrial TV.
The England and Wales Cricket Board defended the deal with BSkyB, saying it safeguarded the future of the sport.
Coverage of this summer’s Ashes Series drew audiences of up to 8.4 million for terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4, and millions more following the action on the BBC's radio and internet services.
England’s victory gave the nation a passion for cricket which had been well hidden during preceding years of comparative mediocrity.
But Sky won the rights for live coverage of all England's Test matches until 2009.
In its report, the committee said there were no "compelling" arguments for cricket to return to the 'A-list' - sports events which are guaranteed free-to-air coverage.
But it demanded that future deals must ensure some free-to-air cricket was available.
