The International Cricket Council (ICC) is confronting an unexpected broadcast setback just two months before the T20 World Cup. JioStar, the Indian broadcaster that secured a three-year media-rights deal, has informed the ICC that it cannot fulfil the remaining two years of its $3bn contract. The upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 27.
According to The Economic Times, JioStar cited mounting financial losses as the reason for its decision. The company’s audited accounts reveal a sharp rise in provisions for expected losses on sports-content deals. These provisions increased from Rs. 12,319 crore to Rs. 25,760 crore within a single financial year. Losses from the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy reportedly intensified the strain.
Industry analysts believe the Indian government’s recent ban on real-money gaming advertisements dealt an additional blow. Such platforms previously served as the single largest advertising segment in cricket broadcasting.
🚨JioStar wants to EXIT ICC India media rights from 2026…
– Took heavy losses after overbidding $3B for the 2024-27 cycle.
– ICC now looking for a new broadcaster for 2026-29 with Asking price of $2.4B.
– If no takers, ICC may have to cut the rights fee. pic.twitter.com/hZ8aiT2v5x
— DealBee Deals (@DealBeeOfficial) December 8, 2025Following JioStar’s notice, the ICC reopened bidding for the 2026–29 India media rights cycle. The governing body is seeking around $2.4bn for the package. Sony Pictures Networks India, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix—despite having no track record in live sports—are among the potential bidders. However, none of the companies has publicly confirmed their participation given the scale of the investment.
Despite the turbulence, JioStar continues to broadcast India’s ongoing home series against South Africa.
The ICC also revealed new information about the T20 World Cup 2026. The tournament will take place from February to March 2026 and will be hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. ICC President Jay Shah announced that former India captain and 2024 T20 World Cup winner Rohit Sharma will serve as the tournament’s ambassador. Shah said he was pleased to appoint Sharma, praising his leadership and influence on the global game.
