ABC won’t broadcast cricket in India

ABC Local Radio will not broadcast or report from the upcoming Australian Test cricket series in India.

The amount required to secure the broadcast rights for this series was sharply increased causing the ABC to back out. Instead they were planning to send Jim Maxwell (pictured) in a reporter role, but the BCCI have said that he will only be able to report from outside the cricket venues.

An ABC spokesman said they would protest the decision.

The Australian have reported that there maybe some ABC Local Radio staff who welcome this decision as cricket coverage from India significantly impacts their drive and night shifts. They believe it should be moved to digital radio or online.

ABC sport are also apparently frustrated at the budget restraints they face while other departments (eg. news) have recently received extra government funding.

Maxwell said:

"It's a black mark for the game and it's a concern that an organisation that purports to protect the game behaves in this way. The game is owned by the fans and it's a slap in the face to the fans that access has been denied."

Read more in The Australian here.