Broadcasters have demanded Cricket Australia take "urgent steps to arrest the declining standards" of the Big Bash League, according to Ben Horne of the Sydney DAILY TELEGRAPH. There are still three weeks remaining of the inaugural 59-game season, but already "robust discussions have been instigated behind the scenes" by Seven and Fox Cricket, which are "growing increasingly agitated" about their A$175M ($125M)-a-year investment. It is understood the TV rights holders are "not arguing to reduce the number of games," but are "lobbying hard for other dramatic changes" they believe necessary to save the extended seven-week competition from "withering on the vine" over the course of their six-year deal. Broadcasters' demands include:
- A "major increase" to the current A$1.7M ($1.2M) salary cap to bring back int'l "stars."
- A "boost" in the number of int'l marquee spots from two per side to as many as four.
- A "crackdown on the dire state of pitches" being used around the country that has "ruined the spectacle" at many grounds with fewer sixes and lower scores.
- Amendments to the schedule to "help bring back crowds."
TV ratings for the BBL this summer are exceeding Seven and Fox's expectations, but both rights holders "fear for long-term sustainability unless immediate changes are made" by CA at the end of this season. Broadcasters do not believe two internationals on each roster are "enough" and are "demanding more overseas signings," but CA could "potentially face opposition" from the Australian Cricketers' Association if there are less jobs for homegrown players (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 1/28).
