Keeping Tendulkar out of Adelaide ODI under rotation policy 'a disgrace': Greig

[1]

Channel Nine, one of Cricket Australia's key allies has slammed the rotation policy after veterans Sachin Tendulkar and Mike Hussey were rested from their respective squads for the Adelaide one - day international.

Veteran commentator Tony Greig labelled the decision to leave out the pair a 'disgrace' in the wake of the network grappling with the scheduling clash between the March 2 Australia-Sri Lanka clash.

''TV networks should receive a rebate on TV rights fees if stars are rested and the same should apply to those who have bought tickets. Tendulkar rested - that''s a disgrace as is the resting of Hussey!!!! What about the cricket lovers?” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Greig, as saying.

He said the network and fans should receive financial compensation, while Nine's cricket executive producer Brad McNamara said he expected the best players to feature in every game.

''We want the best players playing every game, as simple as that. Anything that affects our viewing audience is an issue, it's as simple as that. If it has the potential to do that, it is an issue,” McNamamra said.

Tendulkar’s surprise omission robbed the cricket fans of the opportunity to notch his hundredth international centuries and also had the potential to hit the ratings of India's host broadcaster, ESPN-Star.

Nine's contract with Cricket Australia expires next year and the two parties will soon start key discussions. If star players are rested too often, it could impact CA's bottom line.

Though this is not the first time that Australia's rotation policy has caused dissatisfaction, this appears to be the first time Nine''s displeasure has become public.