Alexandra’s Molyneux Park will likely host four Super Smash domestic T20 cricket games this summer after a previous broadcast deal had seen games moved to Queenstown.

For at least the next three years, TVNZ has secured the television rights to broadcast all home internationals and all 64 matches of domestic T20 cricket Super Smash cricket. 

In an application to the Vincent Community Board (VCB) for a $10,000 annual grant to assist with broadcasting costs, Otago Cricket CEO Mike Coggan said the broadcasting deal “was a game changer”. 

“Under the previous Sparks Sports coverage deal and with less than 40 per cent of matches viewed free to air during the last three years, domestic cricket’s reach and engagement has surpassed all other professional codes played in New Zealand, including Super Rugby, NRL, a league and the ANZ netball,” Mike said.

“That's the power of free-to-air television versus pay-per-view.”

Otago Cricket believes there are many regional promotional benefits to free-to-air broadcasts throughout New Zealand and internationally.  

Eight countries broadcast Super Smash Cricket, including Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Bangladesh, South Africa, Southeast Asia, the USA, and Canada. 

The Otago Cricket boss said he expects a continued increase in spectators with the popularity of T20 Cricket, bringing economic impact to the region with about 20 per cent of the spectators travelling into the district for matches. 

“We will promote the matches in schools providing family and school promotions, including free entry to children and coaching clinics from our men's and women's teams while based in the Central Otago region.

“We see this as a win-win for Otago Cricket and the Central Otago region,” he said. 

The VCB granted Otago Cricket’s request for $10,000 subject to the council approving the CODC Annual Plan in July.