Australia's top cricketers "believe the revenue share model they are fighting to retain is even more important at a time when the sport's next broadcast deal is uncertain," with Big Bash League broadcaster Channel Ten "in crisis," according to Pierik & Wu of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The network's "dire financial predicament is casting doubt on cricket's hopes of a bumper new media rights contract and the players' bid for a lucrative new pay deal." Cricket Australia "maintained a close eye" on Ten's position on Tuesday when the network's shares were placed in a trading halt "amid fears" billionaire shareholders Lachlan Murdoch (through his investment vehicle, Illryia) and Bruce Gordon (through his vehicle, Birketu) will not guarantee a A$250M ($188.5M) debt renewal. The Australian Cricketers' Association estimated A$2.5B ($1.9B) in revenue will "pour into the sport over the next five years." But that "could change if there is a lack of tension in the market" for the new round of int'l and broadcast rights. Nine Network "made it clear" it wants to retain int'l matches but also grab the BBL and Women's BBL. A new deal had been "expected to treble" the A$100M ($75.4M) contract Ten inked in '13 (SMH, 6/13).
AHEAD OF BANGLADESH: In Sydney, Ben Horne reported there are "escalating fears" that August's Test tour of Bangladesh "could become a pawn in cricket's bitter pay war as players pledge to double down in their fight to remain partners in the game." Catastrophe is "looming large amid mounting speculation" that CA will "look to try and push the players’ resolve to breaking point." The response from players indicated "they too are ready to fight fire with fire with a push to reject stopgap measures like tour contracts." At this stage, CA is "sticking to its original threat of unemployment for players" come July 1 when the current MOU expires, with many stakeholders believing the governing body may try to "starve out" the players. But even if that stance was "softened" in the three weeks before the deadline, players have "pledged to continue to play hardball" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 6/13).
