Photo Credit: Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia has issued the following statement from Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Interim CEO:
“With so much positivity around Australian cricket, it is disappointing that Seven West Media has again chosen to use the media to talk our wonderful game down,” Hockley said.
“CA has maintained all along our commitment to delivering a thrilling summer of cricket and on behalf of all involved, be that governments, partners, players and staff, I’m proud to say we are doing just that. We remain confident in our contractual position.
Photo credit: Twitter profile photo of @HockleyNick
“In the most challenging environment sport has faced, with the support of our friends at the BCCI, CA has ensured that the much-anticipated series with India can go ahead safely.
“The first two men’s Dettol ODIs between Australia and India set viewership records and is a great indicator of the level of interest in the upcoming Vodafone Test Series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which includes the first-ever day-night Test against India.
“Similarly, the rebel WBBL has been an absolute triumph with regular season matches setting new audience records and both semi-finals rating almost one-third more than their corresponding games last season.
“The women’s internationals against New Zealand and the opening rounds of the Marsh Sheffield Shield were also incredibly successful, and we are more optimistic than ever that this season’s KFC BBL will be one of the best on record.
“None of this would have been possible without the incredible work, support and cooperation of players, staff, the Australian Cricketers’ Association, State and Territory associations, the BCCI and New Zealand Cricket. My sincere thanks to all of them.
“Australian cricket is also grateful to have wonderful partners across the spectrum. We very much appreciate their support and are proud to deliver for them, as well as our millions of passionate supporters across the country.
“We continue to have tremendous respect for the hardworking people across Channel 7’s cricket and news broadcast teams and congratulate them on the substantial increase in ratings cricket has delivered them to date this season.
“We have, and will continue to, fulfil our obligations to our partners and supporters by scheduling a brilliant summer of cricket, despite the cost and complexity of doing so given the current public health situation.”
