Cricket Tasmania chief calls Channel 7 claims ‘Trump-like’

The game’s broadcast war takes an ugly turn over the explanation for moving the BBL season start to Tasmania.

Cricket authorities and Channel 7 are locked in dispute about scheduling decisions. Picture: Picture: AAP

When cricket officials are comparing broadcasters to Donald Trump it is a clear sign the war between the two parties has moved beyond civil.

Tasmanian cricket boss Andrew Gaggin has launched a scathing attack on Channel 7 boss Lewis Martin in response to an affidavit filed with the Federal Court as part of the ongoing dispute between the two parties.

The flare-up comes as both have agreed on an as-yet-unnamed independent expert to arbitrate in a hearing at the Australian Centre for International Arbitration.

Gaggin hit back at suggestions from Martin that there may have been a financial inducement to move the start of the BBL season to Tasmania — something which has upset the rights holder.

The broadcaster wants to see exchanges between Cricket Australia and the BCCI as well as any dealings with the Tasmanian government.

Seven argues the season has been upended to suit India’s demands to play the limited-overs series first, that this has been detrimental to its business and is not a result of force majeure as claimed by Cricket Australia.

The Tasmanian boss hit back hard in his denial.

“The Trump-like allegations concerning the Tasmanian state government are patently absurd and untrue. The Tasmanian government has certainly provided an incentive,” Gaggin said.

“Its proactive and responsible COVID-19 policies have ensured that Tasmania is one of the world’s safest places and the perfect location to host the start of the Big Bash.

Channel 7’s chief Lewis Martin. Picture: Kris Reichl

Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“However, let it be clear that no financial incentive was provided by the Tasmanian government to Cricket Australia for BBL matches to be played in Tasmania. The Tasmanian government continues to be a great supporter of all cricket in Tasmania.”

Gaggin is a senior litigation partner of Tasmanian law firm Murdoch Clarke Lawyers and has been in the role of chairman at Cricket Tasmania since 2015.

“Tasmania has long been the grassroots champion of Australian cricket, having provided a host of great players and the current Test captain,” he said.

“It is pleasing that Cricket Australia has acknowledged this and we look forward to an amazing start to the tournament. Cricket Tasmania is an equal owner of Australian cricket and will continue to push for world-class content to be played in this state. Tasmania has successfully hosted international cricket for over 30 years and will continue to do so.

“I extend a warm invitation to all Australian cricket lovers to journey down to discover the world-class stadiums at Blundstone Arena and UTAS Stadium, and to enjoy all of the other wonders of Tasmania. I can’t wait for the first match on December 10.”

Martin says in the affidavit that he is not sure whether there is a financial arrangement but wants to know if one exists.

The network argues that it had been promised a better BBL season this year after declining ratings and crowds in the first years of the contract but plans to launch the tournament with the Test series were abandoned. Later the rollout of the season changed to begin in Tasmania which the broadcaster argues was also detrimental to the product.

Cricket Australia claimed in a legal letter to Seven the changes were due to force majeure.

Martin swore in the affidavit that he “could not know for certain” a financial inducement from the Tasmanian government was the reason for the shift, saying “inspection of those contracts would assist Seven in deciding whether to commence proceedings against CA”.