In a surprising turn of events, Seven has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast Australia’s cricket tour of Sri Lanka live and free, breaking Foxtel’s long-standing hold on overseas tours for Fox Cricket.
Announced just days before the series begins, this last-minute deal means fans can enjoy every ball of the two-Test and two-ODI series on Seven and 7plus, marking the first time in years an Australian away series will be available to free-to-air audiences.
From Seven:
The Seven Network today announced it has secured the exclusive rights to Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, set to air live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport from Wednesday, 29 January.
In a coup for Australian cricket fans, every ball of the Series, which includes two Test matches and two One Day Internationals, will be seen on Seven and 7plus Sport.
Seven Network Head of Cricket, Joel Starcevic, said:
“What this summer has shown us is that Australians absolutely love their cricket, and we cannot wait to deliver even more action as Australia takes on Sri Lanka.”
“Following an exhilarating Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series, two of the greatest WBBL and BBL seasons in recent history and the intensity of the current Women’s Ashes Series on home soil, the addition of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka cements Seven and 7plus Sport as the undisputed home of cricket.”
“Before we head to Sri Lanka to witness Steve Smith claim his 10,000th Test run as he captains the Aussie side, this weekend marks a thrilling conclusion to the BBL regular season, setting the stage for a nail-biting race to the Final on Monday, 27 January,” he said.
“But it doesn’t stop there. Adding to the smorgasbord of live and free cricket action, our nation’s most loved team, the Australian women’s cricket team, will face England in a historic Ashes Test at the hallowed MCG over four epic days from Thursday, 30 January, following today’s final ODI and three T20Is.”
“There has never been a more exciting time to be a cricket fan in Australia, and you can catch every ball from every BBL Final, the Women’s Ashes and the Australian tour of Sri Lanka live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport – the only place to see it all,” Mr Starcevic said.
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley said:
“The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series captivated the nation this summer with record crowds and viewership. It’s great that Australian fans will be able to watch the team again so soon in what is sure to be another compelling series in Sri Lanka.”
Seven Network Commercial Director – Sport, Renee Quirk, said:
“As the Australian side takes on their final Test before the World Test Championship Final, Seven will be there to deliver every moment to passionate Australian fans at home.”
“With the Women’s Ashes already off to a fiery start, Aussie viewers are in for an absolute treat when the Series culminates in a historic Ashes Test at the MCG, with every ball live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport.”
“With multi-channel access across broadcast and digital on any device, Australian viewers can ensure they don’t miss a moment of the Women’s Ashes and men’s Australia v Sri Lanka Series as an epic Summer of Cricket draws to a close on Seven and 7plus Sport,” she said.
