Channel Seven is asking for a court statement that will allow them to terminate a multimillion-dollar cricket test and Big Bash League broadcasting rights deal with Cricket Australia.
Cricket Australia (CA) reacted with astonishment to its broadcast partner’s decision on Thursday and vowed to vigorously defend its position.
Seven West Media Ltd has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Australia regarding “standard and multiple quality breaches by CA” of the existing $ 450 million agreement.
“The SWM [Seven West Media] The proceedings will seek so much a court statement that Seven has the right to terminate the ARM [media rights agreement] on the basis of significant breaches of contract by CA that were not rectified, and damages arising from past breaches, ”Seven said in a statement.
It is understood that court proceedings will begin early next year and it is unlikely that the next summer of cricket will be affected, with Seven’s intention to fulfill its obligations regarding the transmission of a busy summer. Test cricket and BBL.
There are two summers left for the six-year contract, but the BBL is understood to be Seven’s point of contention, after the last two seasons were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Seven obtained preliminary discovery proceedings in federal court related to the claims,” Seven said.
“Seven’s intention is to terminate the ARM, on the condition that the federal court grant a statement that Seven has the right to do so. Seven has the right to waive that condition. The damages action is not conditional.
“Seven has followed the informal dispute resolution procedure under the ARM, but the procedure has failed to resolve the dispute.”
CA defended its coverage during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, in which it aired all WBBL and BBL matches, as well as “highly acclaimed international schedules” amid the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“In these circumstances, CA is surprised that Seven has brought this unjustified action which will be vigorously defended,” CA said in a statement.
“CA remains very proud of the efforts of the Australian cricket family, including players, match officials, sponsors, stadium operators, host governments, staff and volunteers whose hard work, dedication and experience allowed us to offer two exceptional cricket seasons in unprecedented circumstances.
“We look forward to another very entertaining summer, including hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as defending champions, welcoming a record six international tour teams to Australia, as well as the eighth and 12th editions. of WBBL and BBL respectively “.