In an attempt to cater to the sizeable Indian community in the country, Cricket Australia will ensure telecast of Hindi commentary for three derby matches in the upcoming season of the BBL and the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Cricket Australia (CA) took a similar step in January this year during the T20 series against India and they have now collaborated with the same company for Hindi commentary.
A statement released on Monday stated: “The initiative is a result of the partnership between Cricket Australia and Indian Link Media Group that saw every ball of last year’s KFC T20 INTL Series between Australia and India made available in Hindi.”
Ben Amarfio, Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, Media, Communications and Marketing, said the CA has been trying their best to make the games accessible to fans in all the parts of the world.
“Through our broadcast partners, both here in Australia and around the world, as well as our own digital channels, Cricket Australia has made the BBL and WBBL more accessible to our fans no matter where they are.We want to be a sport for all Australians and initiatives such as this are a key part of our strategy to embrace multicultural Australia,” Amarfio said.
Anthony Everard, Cricket Australia’s BBL head added: “We take great pride in the quality and excitement generated throughout the coverage of our BBL and WBBL matches. This is an exciting addition to our existing suite of options and adds further diversity of choice for our many thousands of Hindi speaking fans.”
Pawan Luthra, CEO of Indian Link, also expressed his delight over the collaboration.
“After the success of last year’s Hindi commentary it is great to be a part of this initiative by Cricket Australia.Indian Australians of all ages have a passion for cricket and this is a great opportunity for them to hear the phenomenon that is the BBL and WBBL live in their own language,” Luthra said.
“With two Indian cricketers now a part of WBBL action it seems that domestic cricket in Australia has got even more to offer to its ever growing fan base,” he added.
Meanwhile, the three games that will be broadcasted in Hindi are the first match of the season between Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers on December 20 and the Melbourne Derby double header (WBBL-BBL) between the Melbourne Renegades and Melbourne Stars on January 7.