‘We are currently finalising our radio rights negotiations.’

Cricket Australia has dismissed a report from Channel Nine’s Wide World of Sport that CA is to end its long-standing broadcast partnership of more than 80 years with ABC Radio. 

The report said: 

“Cricket Australia is believed to be considering ending more than 80 years of tradition by excluding the ABC from the next round of radio rights.

“Wide World of Sports has learned one or both of the commercial networks Crocmedia and Macquarie Media are favourites to secure the rights to broadcast international matches over the period of the next deal, believed to be five years.”

Final bids for cricket broadcast rights were lodged with Cricket Australia in May, with a decision initially expected by the end of May. 

Wide World of Sports reported that the delay was attributed to Cricket Australia seeking assurances from MM and Crocmedia that their networks can provide coverage to regional areas of Australia currently serviced by ABC Radio. 

Cricket Australia yesterday dismissed speculation ABC Radio was set to miss out on the next round of radio rights for international cricket:

“We are currently finalising our radio rights negotiation and are comfortable with this process,” a Cricket Australia spokesperson said. 

“Current media speculation is incorrect. An announcement on these rights will be made in due course.”