Published: Jan 19, 2017, 05:05 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 19, 2017, 05:59 PM (IST)
Cricket Australia (CA) said that it was disappointed after commentators passed on tactical information during the game between Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday. The commentators passed on some piece of information to the Strikers captain Brad Hodge in the middle of the match. One player from each side has a microphone with him and they are seen chatting in the middle of the game with the commentators – A common feature in the Big Bash League (BBL). But this time, commentator Mark Howard mentioned that fast bowler Ben Laughlin had dismissed Shane Watson twice in the last 8 balls he had bowled in BBL. Hearing that, Hodge brought Laughlin into the attack immediately.
“Australian cricket has a long-standing, proactive approach to sports integrity management,” a CA spokesperson said, according to espncricinfo.com. “We educate our broadcasters at the beginning of each season in the area of Cricket Australia’s Integrity codes and policies so they fully understand the extent we take to ensure the integrity of cricket in the country. We are disappointed with the comments made on the BBL broadcast last night, and expressed this concern immediately to Channel Ten when it occurred. Cricket Australia’s integrity unit is looking into the matter further to ensure the comments made during the broadcast did not jeopardise the integrity of last night’s match,” the spokesperson added further.
READ: Australian cricketers requested to pause talks over new BBL contracts
Network Ten too was quick to apologise to CA on this issue. “Network Ten apologises to Cricket Australia for comments made during last night’s KFC Big Bash League match,” a Ten spokesperson said.
“The comments were in no way intended to advise Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge on game tactics or influence the outcome of the game. Network Ten ensures that all commentators are educated on Cricket Australia’s integrity codes and policies.”
