Cricket to leave Channel 9?

There are rumours swirling around in Australia that Channel 9 may lose the cricket rights to Channel 10 who have made a bid of around $450 million over five years according to reports. Channel 9 have been the home of cricket since Kerry Packer bought the rights, however the network's current financial problems mean it will be hard to secure the cash for the rights.

It is believed that Channel 10 have already won the rights to the Big Bash League which will ensure the domestic T20 competition in Australia will get bigger and bigger. I'm not sure though whether Channel 10 broadcasting the cricket will be good news though. Yes, Channel 9 have become stale over recent years with annoying commentators ruining the viewer's enjoyment. Nonetheless this aside their coverage has been satisfactory. Channel 10 would need to bring across some commentators (hopefully not Ian Healy) from Channel 9, as well as across from Fox Sports, such as Brendan Julian, Allan Border or Mark Waugh.

The report below states that Channel 9 have until the 3rd of June to match Ten's bid; so until then we await with interest.

Reports below

TV Tonight
http://www.tvtonight.com.au/2013/05/nine-torn-on-cricket-rights-seven-scores-soccer-matches.html

The Australian 
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media/seven-wins-rights-for-top-soccer-matches-as-nine-and-ten-pad-up/story-e6frg996-1226649532996