Image Credit- Getty
Australia’s defences in the World Test Championship
and ODI World Cup will only be available on Amazon Prime Video.
The streaming service has acquired the broadcast
rights for every International Cricket Council (ICC) competition, including
women’s and men’s, in Australia.
The recent ODI World Cup was aired in its entirety on
Foxtel/Kayo, with select games including Australia’s matches being televised on
the Nine Network. However, there won’t be a free-to-air component under this
new agreement.
Men’s white-ball internationals are broadcast on
Foxtel, however women’s internationals and men’s home Test matches in Australia
are still available on Seven for free. Nine Network will air men’s away Ashes
series in 2027 and 2031.
The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment
to sport anti-siphoning measures, which coincides with the current action.
Last week, Michelle Rowland, the minister of
communications, submitted legislation to parliament that would update
anti-siphoning rules and mandate that free-to-air services be given priority
access to major sporting events.
“All Australians regardless of where they live,
or what they earn, should have the opportunity to enjoy free TV coverage of
iconic sporting events,” Rowland said.
ICC boss Geoff Allardice welcomed the partnership with
Amazon.
“We are very excited to be entering a new
four-year partnership with Prime Video for ICC cricket rights in
Australia,” he said in a statement. “The recently concluded men’s
World Cup has highlighted the interest and passion for ICC events across the
globe, and especially in Australia where cricket fans have enjoyed the recent
success of their men’s and women’s teams.
“We look forward to working with Prime Video
Australia to provide an innovative coverage of world class cricket to more fans
in Australia.”
Amazon has also revealed that a third season of the
Test documentary, which will cover the 2-2 Ashes series in England this year,
will be available in 2024.
The 2019 ball-tampering controversy prompted the
publication of the first Test season, and the 2021–22 men’s Ashes and tours of
Pakistan and Sri Lanka prompted the release of the second season last year.