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Seven Network could drop cricket contract

3 minute read

The Seven Network could seek to terminate its contract to broadcast cricket with boss James Warburton describing Cricket Australia as a "train wreck".

Cricket Australia is disappointed at copping a barrage of criticism from the Seven Network but remains hopeful of mending frayed relations with the broadcaster.

Seven boss James Warburton labelled CA as incompetent while threatening to terminate the network's $450 million contract with the sport.

But CA says it's on the cusp of releasing a summer schedule which it hopes will pacify the network.

"While disappointed by comments made in the media today, CA remains committed to delivering a full and compelling summer of cricket," the sport's governing body in Australia said in a statement.

"With the Australian men's team having already landed safely in England for their return to international cricket, we want to reassure fans here in Australia and around the world that we are well advanced in delivering our home summer of cricket."

CA could release a proposed summer schedule next week as Seven becomes increasingly concerned at the value of its rights deal.

Seven's chief executive Warburton described CA as "the most incompetent administration I have ever worked with".

"It's a train wreck," he told News Corp.

"We are forced to consider all our options including terminating the contract and we have put them on notice."

Seven still has four years to run on its $450 million contract to broadcast cricket in Australia.

But the network is agitating while awaiting CA's schedule for the looming summer for international and domestic competitions.

India is due to play four Test matches against Australia as well as 50-over and Twenty20 games.

Afghanistan is expected to play one Test in Australia.

The Indian Test series could stretch well into January, meaning top-line talent would be prevented from featuring in the Big Bash League - a ratings winner.

"This is not an acceptable product and we will not support the season," Warburton said.

"Cricket Australia have an obligation to deliver a competition of no lesser standard than the past.

"What a bumbling, stumbling administration.

"How stupid to schedule international cricket against the BBL and drain the resources of a competition already under pressure.

"It's a joke and it rips off the fans."

CA's interim CEO Nick Hockley on Thursday was adamant the code wouldn't renegotiate cheaper deals with Seven.

The AFL, with Seven, and the NRL, with the Nine Network, renegotiated deals with those broadcasters this year amid the fall-out of the coronavirus pandemic.

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