Dazn has secured UK broadcasting rights for Australia’s two-Test series against Bangladesh scheduled to take place in Darwin and Mackay, representing the streaming platform’s entry into international cricket coverage. The matches mark a notable milestone for Dazn, which has primarily focused on football and combat sports programming. The one-off arrangement follows Cricket Australia’s pursuit of long-term broadcasting agreements for its UK rights, though negotiations continue regarding other properties.
The Bangladesh series acquisition positions Dazn advantageously in negotiations for England’s white-ball tour of Australia later this autumn, which comprises eight ODI and T20 matches. A one-off 150th anniversary Test between England and Australia is also scheduled for Melbourne next March. Multiple broadcasters have expressed interest in these fixtures, and Dazn’s willingness to take on the Bangladesh Tests strengthens its bargaining position for future rights.
Dazn’s cricket portfolio has been limited historically. The platform previously held a joint arrangement with Sky Sports to broadcast the 2023 Indian Premier League in the UK. Last year, the company purchased Australian satellite channel Foxtel, which holds domestic cricket rights for Cricket Australia through 2031. The Bangladesh series coverage is expected to utilize feeds from host broadcaster Fox Sports.
Cricket Australia has faced challenges securing competitive bids for its UK rights as Sky Sports has reduced coverage of England’s winter tours, though it retains Big Bash League broadcasting rights. England’s recent men’s Ashes tours were televised by TNT Sports and its predecessor BT Sport, but Dazn could become a contender for the 2029-30 Ashes series rights.
Australia has selected an experienced squad for the Bangladesh series beginning next Thursday, with captain Pat Cummins returning after missing matches since last December’s Adelaide Ashes Test. The team faces a demanding schedule featuring 21 Tests in less than 12 months if they advance to next June’s World Test Championship final, including series against South Africa, New Zealand, and India before the anniversary Test and subsequent Ashes campaign.
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