The Black Caps tour of South Africa "may not be screened in New Zealand with Sky Television in last minute-negotiations with rights holders to show the five matches," according to STUFF.
It is the second time in a month Sky "has had issues securing rights for Black Caps matches after a late change of agent for the Zimbabwe tour meant coverage was confirmed just the day before the first match." This time it is understood the "high price of rights for the tour are in the way of an agreement being reached between the parties." Sky spokesperson Kirsty Way said that the company "was in last-minute negotiations with the agent working on behalf of South Africa Cricket and hoped to secure them before the first of two Twenty20 internationals," on Friday in Durban. Way:
"It is similar to last time -- we are hopeful if not confident" (STUFF, 8/12). In Auckland, Dylan Cleaver reported it is unlikely another broadcaster "will come in to snatch the rights, leaving Sky as the only hope for cricket fans here to watch a team." The five-match series begins with a T20 int'l in Durban. That is followed by a second T20 at Johannesburg on Sunday night, before three one-dayers at Jo'burg, Potchefstroom and Durban.
Sky said that "they would continue to negotiate even if they could not reach a deal for the T20s."
Meanwhile, Radio Sport is understood to be "nearing an agreement to provide ball-by-ball commentary of the short tour" (NEW ZEALAND HERALD, 8/13).
