ICC World Twenty20: Set back for fans in Australia as no TV broadcast of mega tourney

New Delhi: Cricket fans in Australia are in process of a big set back at the mega ICC T20 tournament next month. The upcoming ICC World Twenty20, which starts from March 8 in India, will not be broadcasted in Australia.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, none of the Australian broadcasters have agreed to cover the matches citing to high price charges. India's host broadcaster Star Sports is charging big amount for the coverage.

Australia's Nine Network had covered the previous two editions of the ICC event-- in 2012, and 2014 for its nation, including the 2015 ICC World Cup.

After the enforcement of the anti-siphoning rule-- that mandated necessary free-to-air broadcast for Australia’s matches in all ICC tournaments-- has failed to secure the rights this time.

Other broadcasting channels in Australia such as Network Seven and Network Ten, have also denied buying the rights for the marquee tourney. Network 10 had broadcasted the Big Bash League this season.

According to the anti-siphoning rules, it specifies that, if the free-to-air coverage rights are not bought by any of the broadcasters within 12 weeks of the event, then pay TV broadcasters can secure the rights, but sadly even that hasn’t happened.

Further reports claim Fox Sports too confirmed that rights have not been bought by them either.

Moreover, also an additional fee of 30 percent of the purchase price has also been levied as a tax component for the deal apart from the price asked by Star.

Both Nine and Fox had contracts for the ICC tournaments including the World T20, but due to culmination of the 50-over World Cup last year, the contract expired.