Former Australian great and Channel Nine commentator Ian Healy says he "won't have a clue" what he will do during summer if the network, as expected, loses the rights to broadcast the game in this country.

Seven West Media is set to become the new free-to-air broadcast partner for Cricket Australia in a $1 billion deal to be announced on Friday.

The network has entered into a partnership with pay-TV provider Foxtel in a deal that ends Nine's 40-year long association with Australia's biggest summer sport. Ten has also lost the rights to the Big Bash League.

End of an era?: Nine's cricket commentary team at the WACA last year: (from left) Shane Warne, Ian Healy, Michael Clarke, Mark Nicholas, Mark Taylor, Ian Chappell, Michael Slater. Credit:Alf Sorbello

Commentary greats Ian Chappell and Bill Lawry, who have been part of Nine's coverage since it started, now face uncertain futures. Chappell called for Macquarie Radio during the summer.