Big names could be missing in Perth as IPL goes head-to-head with Test

Channel Seven could be without Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer for parts of the Perth Test due to a clash of commitments, and Australia may lose a vital backroom coach for the start of the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar series in a potential stand-off with Indian cricket.

Unless Seven and Cricket Australia can protect their interests against powerful cricket authorities in India, Ponting, Langer and Australia assistant coach Dan Vettori will likely be in Saudi Arabia holding a paddle at the IPL’s mega player auction in Jeddah instead of being at Optus Stadium when the first Test reaches its conclusion.

Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer have TV commitments which clash with the IPL. Credit: Getty

The latest battle between club and country not only highlights India’s might and power but also the increasing creep of domestic Twenty20 leagues into international cricket.

Not even Seven, in a seven-year, $1.5 billion with Foxtel to broadcast the game in Australia, is immune to the world forces rapidly changing the political economy of the international game.

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