Big Bash League schedule expands, but player standoff keeps agencies nervous
Cricket Australia has announced an expanded Big Bash League season, with 40 matches to be played between December 19 and February 4 – but the sport had been forced to admit doubt still clouds the future of the season and the Ashes series as the pay dispute with players continues.
The announcement also sees confirmation of the returning commercial partners, KFC, Toyota, and Weet-Bix for the BBL, and Rebel and the Commonwealth Bank for the Women’s Big Bash League.
The season of the Big Bash League is the last one on Ten before Cricket Australia takes the rights back to market, with both Nine and Seven – neither of which will be operating under the financial restraints Ten is suffering while in administration – both expected to be keen bidders.
Cricket Australia’s executive general manager of events and leagues, Anthony Everard, said CA remained confident of a resolution, despite talks having broken down several times.
“We know the MOU is still being finalised, but we are confident this won’t affect the upcoming BBL and WBBL season, and we’re looking forward to welcoming a huge number of travelling fans who are coming out for the Ashes,” Everard said.
“This will help them plan their ultimate summer in Australia.”
Ten is in market selling the BBL series now, as Nine is with the Ashes, however some media agencies and their clients are becoming increasingly concerned about locking in contracts and investing in creative executions for a series that may be scrapped.
KFC, Weet-Bix and the Commonwealth Bank all invest heavily in cricket-themed ads running across Test, One Day and Big Bash broadcasts.
While CA has been upbeat about an agreement being reached, the players’ association [Australian Crickets’ Association] has been warning players even after an agreement is struck it could still take as long as six to nine months to finally resolve.
The tensions between CA and the ACA have also been increased by reports in the Herald Sun over the weekend highlighting elite players such as Steve Smith and David Warner on overseas holidays in exotic locations.
Some observers have suggested the story, which featured photos from social media, was placed in a bid to try and drive a wedge between the elite players on Cricket Australia contracts and those playing at lower levels who are having to find work to support their families while their cricketing careers remain in limbo.
The state of the negotiations have also been clouded by almost daily reports a deal is imminent, followed by denials.
So when your contract is not renewed you’re not allowed to take an overseas holiday? People who think that are bitter and twisted from envy.
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