Why is the Aus vs Pak T20 Series not on TV in Australia?
As the 2nd T20I concludes in Lahore, thousands of Australian fans are reaching for their remotes only to find a blank screen. The question trending across social media is simple: Why is the Aus vs Pak T20 Series not on TV in Australia?
Despite a historic rivalry where only one win separates the two sides (14-13), not a single Australian broadcaster—Seven, Nine, or even the usually reliable Fox Sports/Kayo—has secured the rights for this vital World Cup warm-up series.
The Possible Reasons Behind This
1. The "Commercially Unviable" Label
A senior television executive reportedly described the three-match series as “commercially unviable.” The reasoning? A combination of 10 PM AEDT start times and a perceived lack of “prime-time” advertising interest. It is a cold, business-first decision that prioritizes ad-slots over the needs of die-hard cricket fans.
2. The "Missing Star" Factor
Broadcasters were reportedly spooked by Cricket Australia’s decision to rest Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for workload management. Without these “poster boys” on the promos, networks felt the series lacked the commercial “gravity” needed to justify the high cost of subcontinental broadcast rights.
3. The "Ghost Series" for Debutants
Because of this blackout, the debut moments of future stars like Mahli Beardman and Jack Edwards are effectively being “erased” from Australian TV history. Fans back home are being forced to find grainy, unofficial links or wait for highlights on the CA app, rather than celebrating the next generation in high-definition.
4. The YouTube Loophole: A Blessing for Fans?
In a move that bypasses traditional media entirely, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been forced to stream the series live on their official YouTube channel for Australian IP addresses. While this offers free access, it lacks the local Australian commentary and pre-match analysis fans have come to expect from Fox or Seven.
Strategic Impact: A Dangerous Precedent
This blackout is a terrifying sign of the times. If a competitive clash between two of the world’s top T20 sides can’t find a home on Australian TV, it suggests that bilateral cricket is being cannibalized by the “Big Event” focus of major networks. For a niche site like everythingcric.com, this is where we win—by covering the games the mainstream media is too afraid to touch.
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