XtraTime Web Desk: As expected Seven West Media, the premier broadcasters in Australia have taken Cricket Australia into arbitration in its bid to secure a cut in its annual fees. According to a report in Sydney Morning Herald, the free-to-air broadcaster has officially requested the Australian Chamber for International and Commercial Arbitration calling to have an expert to determine the rights value of this summer’s fixture, including a four-Test series against India.
The report further suggests, if Cricket Australia refuses to appear, the broadcaster can head to courts to terminate its $450Million dollar deal with the board. This in turn can jeopardize the India tour of Australia.
Cricket Australia (CA) currently has two set of deals, one with the free to air broadcaster Seven West Media & other with FOXTEL.
Though Foxtel also looks for discounts on the rights fee but it is Channel 7 who has taken CA to arbitration.
As far as India tour of Australia is concerned, Channel Seven rights are limited to 4 Test Match Series. For white ball series rights, CA has a contract with Foxtel which at this stage is not in any doubt.
If the contract with the broadcaster gets jeopardized – it surely will impact the scheduling of the series.