Channel Nine will broadcast international cricket in Australia for the first time since early 2018, with Cricket Australia confirming the network has secured the rights for all of the home side’s games at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Nine, whose iconic cricket coverage from the late 1970s through to just four years ago became a summer staple down under, lost the rights to a $1.182 billion (AUD) joint deal between Channel Seven and Foxtel under a new rights deal negotiated after the 2017-18 Ashes.
The network’s return will see them show semi-finals and the final along with all Australian games. The home side’s first match of their title defence is against New Zealand on October 22.
Nine have also secured the rights for the 2023 men’s ODI World Cup, to take place in India.
However, the women’s ODI World Cup, which takes place in New Zealand in March, will only be available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Anti-siphoning laws require men’s World Cup matches played in Australia to be broadcast on free-to-air television, along with Test matches and away Ashes tours.
To abide by the regulations, Foxtel can purchase the Australian broadcasting rights from the ICC’s global rights partner, India’s Star Sports, and then on-sell to a free-to-air network, much as they do for Test matches and most BBL games with Seven under their current deal.
It has been reported that Foxtel will also be broadcasting Australian matches, as well as all other games, when the World Cup begins in October.
Nine’s Director of Sport Brent Williams said the network’s ‘long and proud history with cricket’ makes it exciting to return to the sport.
“Any cricket World Cup is a premium event on the international calendar and we’re excited to be the free-to-air home of the 2022 (men’s) T20 World Cup in Australia and the 2023 (men’s ODI) World Cup which will be held in India,” Williams said in a statement.
“Nine has a long and proud history with cricket and we look forward to that continuing with all Australian and key matches of these prestigious events being broadcast across Nine’s platforms.”
Johnb
Guest
In what sense are Nine the rightful owners of Australian cricket or Taylor, Nicholas or Chappell "good old commentators"?
Rav
Guest
This is great, because if these 2 tournaments as well as the 2023 Ashes work to Nines favour, which I reckon it may more than the Australian Open, we could see all International home summer cricket return to its rightful owners. However 9 need to really look at why the lost the rights and a leg chunk of public favour in the first place, a bit too blokey and a lack of diversity. I reckon if you bind the good old commentators in Tubs, Mark Nicholas and Ian Chappell, with fresher voices like Alison Mitchell, Lisa Sthalaker and maybe even Izzy Westbury, combined with the usual international suspects like Russel Arnold, Sunny Gavaskar ect. This could really shape up to be great. Whether or not they decide to pursue cricket so avidly that they try to platform it entirely on Stan Sport after a little while is anyones guess, but I doubt that would happen
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I couldn't stand Mighty Mouse even as a tennis jock let alone the cricket.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
I think Channel Nine need new voices for the T20 World Cup hosting coverage. A few years ago, they had Todd Woodbridge hosting the Cricket coverage. I don't think Woodbridge is a credible host. THey need to have a host that has a strong passion in cricket rather than choosing some diffreent random presenters.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
Last year, many Australians couldn't get access to the T20 WC in UAE as it was shown behind a paywall. This was an absolute disgrace by Cricket AUstralia to not have Cricket games on Free to air. The sad thing is that the Grand Final between Australia and NZ wasn't shown on FTA. Many AUstralian Cricket fans are annoyed about the cricket not shown on free TV. Instead, people have to pay to watch the T20 World Cup last year. I think that Cricket Australia is putting profits over people. Think about others - people in nursing homes, retirement villages, hospitals - they don't have Pay TV or internet access. Instead, their main source is FTA Television. And think about people who don't have Internet access or live in areas with poor internet reception. Their main source is FTA TV. Good that the Nine Network has the rights to the T20 World Cup down under this year. I think the majority of the matches involving Australia will be beamed either on Channel Nine or 9GEM in HD.
mike101
Roar Rookie
Looks like Ian Chappell and Mark Taylor are still on the Nine payroll with the Wide World of Sports programme. Mark Nicholas will probably be commentating for another network and over here in Australia, so wouldn't be surprised if he rosters on with Nine too potentially. The other one that I think would be a shoo-in is Michael Clarke, who can't get a gig on either 7 or Fox (presumably he put his hat in the ring, given he was on Nine before). Not sure about Ian Healy, he was supposed to have been picked up by Fox a couple of years ago but haven't seen him on there (kind of like McGrath with Seven, did he even do any coverage in the Ashes?)
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
My dream would be to see Gus Gould and Bruce McAveny be put into a locked room and commentate themselves into a coma.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
They're good if she sings someone else's songs. Her take on on "Make You Feel My Love" (Dylan) is not bad but nowhere near as good as his.
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Oh yeah. Gees her songs are quite boring from a lyrics point of view.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'd be glad to have the Godfather back commentating. The most erudite and insightful cricket commentator Australia has ever produced. Not to be confused with our most poignant and avuncular who is now departed.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Anti-siphoning laws was Left-wing policy introduced by a Right-wing politician. --------- What could go wrong ....
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Adele wouldn't have had anything to sing about if only she'd met me :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
The Late News
Roar Rookie
If you can't get a credible female voice, why not try an incredible one? Adele for example?
Republican
Guest
.....while dumping all coverage of the women's game. These networks are expediently insatiable corporate behemoths that suck all the virtue out of sport, fed by a depraved consumer market of course.
Brian Westlake
Roar Rookie
They will have Eddie to host with Gus Gould and joey johns. None of whom know sweet FA about cricket, but hey... they're on the payroll
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
I dream channel nine with their ‘long proud history’ will treat the viewers better then when they previously had the coverage. But I doubt it.
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
Surely they can’t get away with not having a female expert and caller. It’s added so much to the Fox and Seven coverage.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Wow, me might finally get to see the Aus men's team play in colours one last time.
Nudge
Roar Rookie
My guess is we won’t see Slats. More than happy to have Mark Nicholas back though
Linphoma
Guest
Whoa, this is out of the blue. Who have Nine retained on their on-air team? I can think it's an almost Blues Brothers "We're getting the band back together again. We'e on a mission from God" moment. Mark Nicholas will be back perhaps. Tubby, Heals and Chappelli perhaps. A credible female voice to join? Nah.