ICC World Twenty20: TV blackout in Australia

Sydney: Though Australia is one of the favourites for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20, the local television networks have pulled out the plug.

The tournament starts in India on March 16 and the Australian team is about to start their preparations in South Africa but the fans will be left disappointed.

Cricket attracted good ratings in Australia for international matches and the Big Bash League but this time, Star Sports – the host broadcaster – ate up the cake.

There has been a stalemate in negotiations.

Australia’s Trans-Tasman rival New Zealand is likely to face the same consequences.

Earlier, Nine Network took charge of the World Twenty20 tournaments in 2012 and 2014. But they do not have the rights for the current edition of the mega event.

Even Channel 7 and Channel Ten, their rival channels, will not be showing the tournament.

According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, the anti-siphoning rules in Australia say that if television rights (for an event) are unsold within 12 weeks of the even, then pay-TV broadcasters can secure the exclusive rights.

Even Fox Sports, who had a contract to telecast all ICC tournaments, isn’t available to the fans’ rescue.

The rough waters do not end here.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India declared that the first set of tickets will be sold only for matches at five venues. Delhi is still uncertain whether they can host the match assigned.