#BreakTheBias: Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy calls for equal access

 January 25, 2022

Well done to Australian cricketer, Alyssa Healy, for calling out what many have perceived as gender bias in sport.

Alyssa, who plays for the Australian women's national team, was quick to highlight the decision of a major Australian television network to broadcast free-to-air two upcoming men's World Cup events, but not the women's One Day International World Cup in New Zealand.

But where are the women?

Announcing their live and free coverage of the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2023 Men’s fifty-over World Cup, there was no mention of the Women’s World Cup, for which the Nine Network is joint rights holders in Australia with Foxsports and the Kayo streaming service.

Backlash from Australian cricket fans questioned the network's decision not to secure the broadcast rights for the Women’s World Cup. Securing only the free-to-air broadcast rights for the Men’s World Cup tournaments, puzzled cricket fans were quick to ask why the network had failed to secure equal rights to the women’s games.

Lending support to help #BreakTheBias

Commenting to her social media community, Alyssa said: "In light of this mornings "interesting" news – I'm going to offer up 20x @kayosports Gift Cards for people to be able to watch our World Cup next month... Only available to Aussie based watchers (sorry). Hit me up if you want one. #BreakTheBias," she tweeted.

A 'slap in the face'

Alyssa, reportedly, deemed the decision for the women's One Day International World Cup not to be broadcast free-to-air for all to see as a 'slap in the face.' 

The network later announced that the ICC Women’s World Cup would in fact be removed from behind a paywall and be made free to watch in Australia. Hoorah! Success! 

Spot it, call it out, change it!

The rise in viewing figures

Viewing figures for the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) and women’s internationals have grown significantly over the past decade, with the WBBL now seeing the fourth highest ratings for any domestic sporting league in Australia after the Big Bash League (BBL), Australian Football League (AFL) and National Rugby League (NRL).

#BreakTheBias in sport

So let's all continue to #BreakTheBias when it comes to women's coverage and viewership in sports.

Well done Alyssa Healy!

And in the meantime ...

Let's enjoy some of Alyssa Healy's biggest and best sixes.

When Alyssa gets going, her fans know that she's one of the most exciting players in the world to watch.

Here are some of Alyssa's biggest sixes on Aussie soil.