The International Cricket Council (ICC) is suddenly staring at a broadcasting void after reports confirmed that JioStar has formally communicated its decision to exit the media rights agreement ahead of schedule. The rights for the 2024–27 cycle were valued at approximately $3 billion, and with two years still remaining in the contract, the ICC is now scrambling to secure a new media partner.
JioStar seeks exit amid financial stress as ICC looks for a solution
According to Economic Times, JioStar informed the ICC that it is unable to continue with the four-year deal due to mounting financial losses. This development has triggered an urgent reassessment of the rights structure, with the ICC initiating a fresh sale process for the 2026–29 rights cycle. The board is reportedly seeking around $2.4 billion from potential buyers.
Sources quoted in the report also suggest that the ICC has approached multiple platforms, including Sony Sports Network, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, to take over the remaining term of the current agreement. However, none of the broadcasters have shown interest so far, reportedly due to pricing concerns, leaving the council in a difficult position.
The report adds that JioStar’s financial strain worsened following the crackdown on real-money gaming earlier this year. The company’s provisions for losses tied to expensive sports contracts more than doubled in 2024–25, rising to ₹25,760 crore from ₹12,319 crore the previous year.
With the 2026 T20 World Cup scheduled for February, the ICC now faces a tight timeline to secure a replacement broadcaster. JioStar’s early withdrawal has pushed the global cricket body into an urgent search mode, one that may shape the broadcast landscape for international cricket over the next few years.
