In a win for cricket fans around the country, Fox Sports and the Nine Network today announced that this month’s ICC World Twenty20, which begins on Tuesday, will be covered by both networks.

Fox Sports will show all 35 World Twenty20 games live exclusively on Foxtel. Nine will broadcast every Australian clash along with the finals.

Negotiations for this World Cup deal were complex with Australian broadcasters forced to negotiate a price with the Indian host broadcaster Star Sports, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch’s 20 Century Fox.

Star Sports has paid the ICC a reported US $1.98Billion for global broadcast rights to all ICC events from 2015 to 2023. Star had been looking to sell a package deal to an Australian broadcaster that would have also included the 2020 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia. However all local broadcasters baulked at the price.

Further complicating negotiations is the fact the Twenty20 World Cup has been included on the anti-siphoning list, meaning Fox Sports was required under the legislation to negotiate a simulcast deal for all matches involving the Australian team, plus the Tournament Final match with one of the FTA broadcasters. The legislation also requires any FTA broadcaster that obtains the rights to transmit the Australian games and Final on its main channel.

Fox Sports’ coverage, beginning Tuesday March 8 in India, will also include ten women’s matches of the ICC World Twenty20, all live, ad break free during play and in high definition.

In addition, Australian cricketing great, Allan Border, along with former Australian bowler, Brendon Julian, will provide Fox Sports’ viewers commentary and analysis throughout the competition.

Fox Sports CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “Today’s announcement will ensure Australians get to watch every game of this month’s anticipated ICC World Twenty20 live, ad break free and in high definition. It’s a fantastic outcome for cricket fans, and for the sport.

“I'm sure the whole country will be right behind Steve Smith and his men as they aim to win their first ICC World Twenty20 title,” Mr Delany said.

 

Hugh Marks Nine CEO said: "Cricket fans should get set for what I'm sure will be a high action, high energy World Twenty20 with our Australian team every chance of bringing home their first World Twenty20 title. It’s great to add this premium event to Nine’s expansive coverage of international cricket, with every Australian game and the finals live to all Australians."