The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have firmly rejected recent rumours claiming a breakdown or exit in their India media rights agreement, clarifying that the multi-billion-dollar deal remains fully in force and will continue to deliver cricket coverage to fans as planned
🔍 Rumours Spark Confusion Across Cricket Community
Earlier this week, several media reports suggested that JioStar — the joint venture combining JioCinema and the erstwhile Disney Star broadcasting business — was planning to walk away from its exclusive India media rights deal with the ICC, potentially leaving coverage of marquee tournaments like the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in jeopardy.
The speculation gained traction amid industry chatter about rising financial losses and shrinking advertising revenues, leading some outlets to report that JioStar had informed the ICC it might not be able to fulfil the remaining two years of its four-year, USD 3 billion agreement.
📣 Joint Statement by ICC & JioStar
In response to these reports, both parties issued a joint official statement dismissing the rumours as inaccurate and reaffirming their ongoing commitment to the partnership. The ICC and JioStar stressed that:
- The existing media rights agreement remains fully in force.
- JioStar continues as the ICC’s official broadcast and digital partner in India.
- Any suggestion that JioStar has withdrawn or intends to exit the deal is incorrect.
- Preparations for upcoming ICC events, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, are progressing normally with no impact on viewers, advertisers, or partners. icc
The reaffirmation was echoed across multiple outlets, with both organisations stressing that the rumours do not reflect the real position and that commitments under the contract will be honoured.
📺 What This Means for Cricket Fans
For cricket fans in India, the clarification brings reassurance that:
- Live broadcast and streaming plans for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 remain unchanged.
- There will be no disruption to access on television or digital platforms covered under the JioStar agreement.
- Advertisers and commercial partners can continue planning without concern over rights uncertainty.
📊 The Media Rights Deal at a Glance
JioStar’s media rights contract with the ICC covers multiple major ICC events through 2027 and is valued at approximately USD 3 billion — one of the most lucrative sports broadcasting agreements in the Indian subcontinent.
The deal includes live broadcast and digital streaming rights for events such as:
- ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups
- ICC World Test Championship finals
- ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups
Confirming the deal’s continuity ensures that millions of Indian cricket fans will continue to enjoy uninterrupted coverage of these tournaments.
🏏 Looking Ahead
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026, both the ICC and JioStar are focused on delivering seamless, world-class broadcast experiences for viewers nationwide.
The clarification also helps stabilise confidence in cricket media rights markets at a time when broadcasters and governing bodies navigate evolving financial pressures and competitive dynamics.
