ICC and JioStar confirm media rights deal after fallout rumours ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have denied reports of any fallout between them. Some media reports had claimed that their four-year India media-rights deal could end early. These reports said that JioStar, run by Reliance Industries, had informed the ICC that it could not continue for the remaining two years. The news created confusion among fans and industry watchers.

If those reports were true, JioStar would have stopped as the official broadcaster for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. The reports also suggested that JioStar would walk away from other events under the same media-rights cycle. This raised concerns about how ICC tournaments would be shown in India. Many feared it could affect viewers and advertisers.

However, both the ICC and JioStar have clearly said that these reports are wrong. They confirmed that their agreement has not changed in any way. The partnership is still active and working as planned. The clarification was issued to stop the spread of false information.

ICC and JioStar Issue Joint Statement

“The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have noted recent media reports concerning the status of the ICC's media rights agreement in India. These reports do not reflect the position of either organization. The existing agreement between the ICC and JioStar remains fully in force, and JioStar continues as the ICC's official media rights partner in India. Any suggestion that JioStar has withdrawn from the agreement is incorrect,” the statement read, as quoted by NDTV Sports.

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In another joint statement, the ICC and JioStar said that their $3 billion media rights deal remains fully intact. Both sides said they are committed to providing smooth and high-quality coverage of ICC events for Indian fans. This came after reports claimed that JioStar was thinking of leaving the deal due to financial losses. “JioStar is fully committed to honour its contractual obligations in letter and spirit. Both organizations remain focused on delivering uninterrupted, world-class coverage of upcoming ICC events to fans across India, including the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, one of the sport's most anticipated global tournaments. Preparations for these events are progressing exactly as planned, and there is no impact on viewers, advertisers, or industry partners. ICC and JioStar, as long-term commercial partners, maintain regular communication on operational, commercial and strategic matters focused on the role the partnership can play in growing the sport,” the report added.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, hosted by India and Sri Lanka, will begin on February 7. Pakistan will play the Netherlands in the opening match in Colombo. The final of the tournament is scheduled for March 8.