Big Bash League: TV chiefs risking Twenty20 supporters’ fury by delaying games

THE Brisbane Heat has apologised to angry fans over Channel 10's decision to turn cricket's version of a quick snack into a slow cooked dinner.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 04: Daniel Christian of the Heat fields during the Big Bash league match between the Brisbane Heat and the Adelaide Strikers at The Gabba on January 4, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

THE Brisbane Heat has apologised to angry fans over Channel 10's decision to turn cricket's version of a quick snack into a slow cooked dinner.

The return of Ten's flagship news and current affairs show The Project has meant Monday to Friday Big Bash games are now being shown on delay in Brisbane and Adelaide.

The Heat website has posted a message to fans stating: “The (delayed telecasts) have been met with a lot of disappointment from many fans and we understand your frustration.

“Our aim would always be to have all BBL games shown live. Many fans have suggested that the BBL be moved to Ten’s high definition channel One HD during this period to enable live coverage to continue, however at this stage the decision has been made to show matches in full (and on delay) on Channel 10.”

Anger over the delayed broadcasts in set to grow, with Heat games against the Scorchers (one-hour delay), the Melbourne Renegades (30 minutes) and the Hobart Hurricanes (30 minutes) all put back.

Even the Heat players have taken exception to the delays, with fast bowler Ben Cutting tweeting as he watched the tied match between The Stars and The Sixers on Monday night.

So far behind the times I feel like I'm back in Hobart tonight @channelten @theprojecttv @BigBashLeague

— Ben Cutting (@Cuttsy31) January 5, 2015

Others quipped that sleepy Adelaide may not notice the delays as acutely, given it was still catching up with other news events such as Harold Holt's disappearance.

But the humour of the situation is lost on fans who would like to see Ten at least switch the match to its high definition station.

Fans are not happy and nor should they be. Ten should read the signs and review this decision.

If television stations pay for the rights to broadcast live sport, then it should be shown live.

This is not the 1960s where you were just happy to see any sport at all. Modern sports fans do not exist in bubbles.

Dan Christian of the Heat fields during a BBL game at the Gabba.

They are impetuous, inquisitive souls armed with mobile phones and itchy fingers who are bombarded with updates on Twitter — updates which make an hour delay as much of a curse as the person who walks in midway through a murder mystery and reveals “the butler did it”.

Anger over the delay is unfortunate for Ten as it undermines the plaudits rightfully flowing in for an otherwise exceptional broadcasting package.

Ten’s coverage has a welcoming lounge room feel to it. Quirky player crosses align with the insight, humour and storytelling ability of the likes of Damien Fleming, Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Flintoff to provide a viewing experience that is as fresh and vibrant as the cricket.

A Ten spokesman said last night the station refused to put the matches on One HD “for consistency and to stop audience confusion, it is better for matches to be broadcast in full on one channel, rather than splitting it across different channels.

Adam Gilchrist and Damien Fleming have helped illuminate Channel 10’s coverage.

“Unfortunately, due to the earlier start times this season, there will be some matches that will be slightly delayed in Brisbane and Adelaide.”

The confusion excuse may have worked a decade ago but modern television watchers are far more tuned to multi-channel surfing.

Any viewer who has trouble switching from Channel 10 to One HD is probably still using an old-fashioned typewriter and playing vinyl records.

They are probably not Big Bash types anyway.

Originally published as Big Bash League: TV chiefs risking Twenty20 supporters’ fury by delaying games