Indian broadcasters "have expressed their frustration at an Australian pay war that threatens a limited-overs tour of the subcontinent," according to Pierik & Barrett of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The two parties negotiated on Friday "in a bid to avoid arbitration" and discussions continued over the weekend. The prospect of arbitration comes with a Test series in Bangladesh next month in "increasing danger of not going ahead." Indian media company Star Sports has the "rights to that series and broadcasters on the subcontinent and is losing patience with the standoff in Australia" as it seeks to "do the sums about future television deals." Australian Cricketers' Association Commercial Manager Tim Cruickshank met with broadcasters in India. He said, "It was ... interesting meeting with the Indian broadcasters to understand their frustration and the impact the current impasse is having on their ability to value rights. They were keen to understand ways they could eliminate some risk and build a stronger working relationship directly with the players" (SMH, 7/28).
