Big Bash League: Cricket Tasmania stands ground after unflattering portrayal in Federal Court affidavit

Not even an unflattering Channel 7 depiction as ‘least preferred broadcasting location’ can dampen Tasmania’s excitement over hosting 10 BBL games this season.

James Faulkner (right) of the Hurricanes celebrates with team mates after getting the wicket of Usman Khawaja of the Thunder during the Big Bash League (BBL) eliminator final cricket match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Thursday, January 30, 2020. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

An extraordinary attack ridiculing Tasmania’s two premier sporting venues has been launched only eight days out from the Hobart Hurricanes hitting off the 10th anniversary Big Bash League with a blockbuster night game against Sydney Sixers in Hobart.

In a coup for the state, 10 matches of this season’s BBL will be played in Hobart and Launceston, and the Hobart Hurricanes will play in six of them.

However, Channel Seven is not happy with the Tasmanian BBL hub and in a 28-page document presented in court in Sydney, as part of its growing legal battle with Cricket Australia, it launched an unprovoked attack on the home of Tasmanian cricket - Blundstone Arena - and Launceston’s AFL venue, UTas Stadium.

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The Hurricanes will have plenty of home support.

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It described both as “relatively small and unheralded stadia” and claimed it would be “commercially irrational” to broadcast games from either ground.

Channel Seven’s document said: “Tasmania is the least preferred location for BBL broadcasting by Seven, for reasons including the quality of the stadia and the consequent levels of attendance and audience”.

Seven would rather broadcast from the SCG, which is described as “a far more prestigious venue”.

Cricket Tasmania boss Dominic Baker rejected claims CA placed the BBL in Tasmania based on a financial incentive provided by the state government.

“It’s part of the posturing that’s going on between Channel Seven and Cricket Australia,” Baker said.

“It’s not worth getting into - the games are scheduled here, there is no commercial relationship between Cricket Tasmania, the Tasmanian Government and Cricket Australia to incentivise and to play those eight games here.

“This is a different year and different arrangements have been made.

“We are looking forward to hosting a BBL hub and seeing Channel Seven broadcast eight fantastic games before Christmas and two fantastic games after Christmas out of fantastic stadiums in Tasmania.”

Premier Peter Gutwein was delighted Tasmania would be part of a BBL hub.

“The Government welcomes the BBL games being played in Tasmania, in view of the COVID-safe nature of our state and to provide opportunities for Tasmanians to experience world-class cricket. We are thrilled to host the 10 world-class games, which is a huge win for Tasmanians and puts our state on a global stage,” he said.

Premier Peter Gutwein is looking forward to the Tasmania BBL hub.

“The Tasmanian Government continues to provide funding to Cricket Tasmania to support cricket development and the hosting of Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League matches in the state, but there were no incentive payments made.”

BBL games have been played at a variety of venues around Australia, apart from the big stadiums.

“They (Seven) didn’t have any problems with games being played in Moe, Alice Springs, Darwin and Geelong for example,” Baker said.

“We have played all over the place.

“It’s amazing that all of a sudden it’s an issue broadcasters coming to Tasmania.

“They’ve been coming here for many years for football and cricket, so I can’t see the relevance of the argument that all of a sudden we have to come to Tasmania.

“I just laugh at it and move on.”

Dominic Baker said the BBL bonanza was a ‘massive coup’.

Baker said the BBL bonanza was a “massive coup”.

“We are going to start the 10th year of the BBL in Tasmania, so we couldn’t be happier,” he said.

“Ticket sales are going strongly for games at our beautiful boutique cricket ground right on the Derwent River – you couldn’t ask for anything more.

“Launceston ticket sales are flying, so get in fast if you want to get tickets for games there.

“We are a member of the Australian cricket family and there is no international cricket here this year so it’s nothing less than what Tasmanian cricket supporters deserve

The Hurricanes open BBL10 with a clash against Sydney Sixers at 7.15pm next Thursday.

Originally published as Big Bash League: Cricket Tasmania stands ground after unflattering portrayal in Federal Court affidavit