India tour of Australia 2020: Sydney, Canberra could host T20Is and ODIs
Virat Kohli’s Indian cricket team are slated to tour Australia for three ODIs, three Twenty20 Internationals and four Tests in December and January. However due to the coronavirus pandemic, the matches might be played in fewer venues but according to reports, Sydney and Canberra might host the ODIs and T20Is.
Virat Kohli’s Indian cricket team are set to embark on a tour of Australia immediately after the end of the IPL 2020. The tour will consist of three ODIs, three Twenty20 Internationals and four Tests and it will be the first major tour for India amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The series, which is expected to be played in December and January has been in some doubt due to the viability of certain venues and also on the quarantine period for the Indian cricket team.
However, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo, Canberra’s Manuka Oval and Sydney could host the ODIs and T20Is which could be played in the beginning. The ESPNCricinfo report has also mentioned that Cricket Australia is in talks with Queensland and South Australia for the hosting of games. Melbourne, which has been the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic, might not get any games this year including the marquee Boxing Day Test.
Speaking to the website, the New South Wales Sports Minister Stuart Ayres has confirmed that a proposal has been sent by Cricket Australia. “That proposal is currently being assessed by NSW authorities including health and police. Fixtures for the Indian tour will be determined by Cricket Australia and won't impact our assessment of the quarantine proposal,” Ayres said.
Doubts over series persist
India’s tour to Australia which is expected to begin from November was in doubt earlier in the year. The reason – Seven West Media, who own the broadcast rights of the international cricket season in Australia along with Foxtel, has reportedly started cancelling it’s contract with Cricket Australia. Seven West Media is like Star Sports of India or Sky Sports of England, where they are the principal broadcasters of international cricket matches. Seven West Media has a six-year broadcast deal worth USD 1.19 billion and Australian media have said that they will not make the initial payment of AUD 25 million.
In 2018, Cricket Australia awarded the broadcast rights to Seven West Media and Foxtel after ending a near four-decade association with Channel Nine. What are the reasons for Seven West Media going ahead with their cancellation of the deal with Cricket Australia?
Seven West Media are unhappy that the international calendar has been flipped, with the ODIs and T20Is expected to be played ahead of the four Tests. Seven West Media believe that the revamp has been brought about by Cricket Australia bowing down to the demands of the BCCI. The delay in IPL 2020, which is expected to end on November 10 and the ensuing stand-off over the length of the quarantine period that the Indian team will have to undergo is also one of the major factors.