This landmark deal marks Dazn's first foray into international cricket, potentially reshaping the UK broadcast landscape for major tours.
Global streaming platform Dazn has secured the exclusive UK broadcast rights for Australia's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The deal, which covers two crucial matches this month, represents a significant strategic move for Dazn, a company primarily known for its football and combat sports coverage. This acquisition immediately positions Dazn as a new and formidable player in the competitive world of international cricket broadcasting, according to reporting by The Guardian - Sport.
The two Test matches are scheduled to take place in Darwin and Mackay, located in Australia's Top End. While this initial agreement is a one-off deal for the Bangladesh series, it is widely seen as a pivotal development that could influence future negotiations for more extensive and lucrative cricket properties, including England's highly anticipated tours of Australia.
Dazn's entry into the international cricket arena comes at a time when Cricket Australia has been actively seeking long-term partners for its UK broadcast rights. This latest acquisition by Dazn suggests a potential shake-up in the market, with ongoing discussions set to determine who will secure the rights for other major Australian cricket events.
Dazn's Landmark Entry into International Cricket Broadcasts
Dazn's acquisition of the Australia versus Bangladesh Test series marks its debut in broadcasting international cricket to the UK market. The platform's previous experience with cricket was limited to a joint venture with Sky Sports for the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) coverage in the UK. However, Dazn significantly bolstered its position in Australian cricket last year by purchasing Foxtel, an Australian satellite channel that holds Cricket Australia’s domestic rights until 2031. The UK broadcast of the Bangladesh series is expected to utilize coverage provided by the host broadcaster, Fox Sports.
This move is particularly noteworthy as Cricket Australia has faced challenges in attracting robust competition for its UK rights in recent years. Sky Sports has increasingly shifted away from covering England's winter tours, although it retains the rights for the popular Big Bash League (BBL). Dazn's willingness to invest in the Bangladesh Tests could signal a broader interest in acquiring rights for future marquee events.
Intensifying Battle for England's White-Ball Tour and Future Ashes
The landscape for broadcasting England's tours of Australia is becoming increasingly competitive. England's white-ball team is set to tour Australia this autumn for eight ODI and T20 games, a highly anticipated series for fans. Additionally, a special 150th anniversary Test is scheduled for Melbourne next March. While other broadcasters have expressed interest in these properties, Dazn's proactive step to secure the Bangladesh Tests is likely to strengthen its negotiating position for these upcoming tours.
Historically, England's recent men’s Ashes tours, including the last three, have been televised in the UK by TNT Sports and its predecessor, BT Sport. With Dazn now making a clear statement of intent in cricket, there is a strong possibility that the streaming giant could enter the bidding for the highly coveted rights to the 2029-30 Ashes tour, potentially redefining how fans access this iconic rivalry.
Australia's Packed Cricket Calendar and Star Returns
Beyond the broadcast rights, the Australian cricket team is gearing up for a demanding schedule. An experienced squad has been named for the Bangladesh series, featuring the return of captain Pat Cummins. This marks Cummins' first appearance since last December's third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The team is embarking on a colossal run that could see them play 21 Tests in less than 12 months if they qualify for next June’s World Test Championship final.
This packed calendar underscores the importance of securing strong broadcast partners for Cricket Australia. With key players like Cummins returning, the on-field action promises to be as compelling as the off-field battle for broadcast dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dazn's recent cricket acquisition?
Dazn has acquired the exclusive UK broadcast rights for Australia's two-Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to be played this month in Darwin and Mackay.
Why is this Dazn deal significant for UK cricket fans?
This deal marks Dazn's first broadcast of international cricket, potentially offering a new platform for fans to watch major tours and increasing competition for future cricket rights in the UK, including England's upcoming tours of Australia.
What other Australian cricket tours are broadcasters vying for?
Broadcasters are competing for the UK rights to England’s white-ball tour of Australia this autumn (eight ODI and T20 games) and the one-off 150th anniversary Test in Melbourne next March, with Dazn now in a strong negotiating position.
Who is Pat Cummins and why is his return notable?
Pat Cummins is the captain of the Australian Test team. His return for the Bangladesh series is notable as it's his first appearance since last December’s third Ashes Test in Adelaide, marking the start of a demanding schedule for Australia.
What is Cricket Australia's long-term goal for UK rights?
Cricket Australia has been seeking a long-term broadcast deal for its UK rights, with the current one-off sale to Dazn for the Bangladesh series serving as an interim arrangement while negotiations continue for its other valuable properties.