Aussie fans may miss out on World T20 action

Australian cricket fans may miss out on World T20 action if the current impasse over TV rights continues. According to a report in Herald Sun, local TV network and Fox Sports have decided to black out the ICC event instead of paying “huge money” for the telecasting rights as reportedly demanded by host broadcaster, India TV giant Star Sports.

A spokesperson for Fox Sports, who has telecast previous World T20 events to viewers in Australia, has confirmed to the newspaper that it won’t air the five-week tournament. Australia, led by Steve Smith, will reach Bangladesh on Saturday for a warm-up T20 series in South Africa against the Proteas, starting on March 4.

The 2012 and 2014 ICC World Twenty20 cricket tournaments were shown on Channel Nine’s primary channel. New Zealand is also allegedly facing a ‘blackout’ due to the failed broadcast negotiations. This summer’s Big Bash League was a smash television success across Australia and Australia’s T20 team is excitedly preparing to jet off for the world tournament.

It’s understood Nine and Fox Sports both expressed interest in hosting the event but couldn’t come to terms with Star Sports, which has purchased the broadcasting rights to the International Cricket Council’s major tournaments and can on sell them to other networks. The ICC is based in the United Arab Emirates which means Australian networks would also have to pay a 30 per cent tax on top of any deal with Star Sports. (Also read: ICC announces match officials for the ICC World T20 2016)

Cricket Australia says it remains hopeful next month’s tournament will be shown to Australian TV viewers. “It’s our priority to have matches involving the Australian men’s and women’s teams broadcast to fans around the country. We are seeking regular updates from the ICC and Star India, and remain hopeful it can be resolved in the best interests of Australian cricket fans,” a CA spokesman recently said.