AUS v SL: Free Cricket Broadcast Sparks Scheduling Dilemma

In a welcome move for cricket enthusiasts, the Seven Network has secured exclusive rights to broadcast Australia's tour of Sri Lanka, allowing fans to watch the entire series without a subscription. However, this development has created a scheduling conflict for fans who want to follow both the men's and women's national teams, with star players like Mitchell Starc and Alyssa Healy facing conflicting commitments.

The broadcast of the Sri Lanka series marks the first time a major cricket event has been aired on free-to-air TV since November 2023, providing a significant win for fans who were at risk of missing out on critical matches like the World Test Championship showdown with South Africa at Lord's. The tour, which includes two Test matches and two One Day Internationals, will air live and free on the Seven Network and 7plus Sport starting January 29.

Joel Starcevic, Seven's Head of Cricket, expressed his excitement about the upcoming cricket season, highlighting the popularity of cricket in Australia and the network's commitment to delivering live and free content. The current series has seen Australia take a strong lead, with Sri Lanka trailing by 610 runs after the second day of the first Test. The Aussies are at 654/6, while Sri Lanka is at 44/3, with Todd Murphy replacing Travis Head and making an impact in the third session.

As the series progresses, fans will be eagerly watching the performances of both teams, particularly the star players who will be juggling their commitments. The scheduling clash may have provided a humorous remark from Mitchell Starc, but it highlights the challenges that come with broadcasting multiple cricket series simultaneously. Despite this, the new deal is a significant win for fans who can now enjoy free-to-air cricket without having to worry about subscription costs.