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JioStar Denies Exit Rumors: $3 Billion ICC Media Rights Deal Is ‘Fully in Force’

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‘Incorrect’: JioStar clarifies stance on ICC media rights after exit rumours

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The cricket world was sent into a brief tailspin this week by whispers that JioStar was looking to exit its massive agreement with the International Cricket Council. The potential fallout—leaving marquee events like the T20 World Cup without a home in the sport’s biggest market—was a nightmare scenario for fans. But in a swift and definitive move, both JioStar and the ICC have slammed the door shut on these rumors, confirming that their partnership is not just alive, but “fully in force” .

If you’ve been wondering where to watch the next ICC tournament, breathe easy. Your go-to platform is likely to remain the same. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening with the JioStar ICC media rights and why this confirmation matters so much.

Rumors vs. Reality: The Official Clarification

Reports had begun to circulate, suggesting that JioStar, the media giant formed from the merger of Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney Star, was looking to back out of its commitment a full two years before the contract’s 2027 expiry date . The speculation was fueled by the immense $3 billion price tag and the complexities of the recent merger .

However, in a joint statement, the ICC and JioStar have categorically labeled these reports as “incorrect.” They went on to emphasize that all preparations for the upcoming slate of ICC events, starting with the crucial T20 World Cup, are “proceeding as scheduled” . This is a clear signal to the market, competitors, and, most importantly, fans, that the status quo remains unchanged.

The $3 Billion Deal: What You Need to Know

Understanding the scale of this agreement is key to grasping its importance. The JioStar ICC media rights deal, inherited by JioStar from Disney Star as part of their historic 2024 merger , secured the exclusive broadcasting rights for all ICC events in India from 2024 through 2027 .

This isn’t just about a single tournament; it’s a comprehensive package that includes:

  • The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and 2026
  • The ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 (Women’s T20 World Cup and other major events are also part of the cycle)
  • All World Test Championship finals during the period
  • Digital and television rights across the Indian subcontinent

For JioStar, this deal is the crown jewel in its sports portfolio, designed to drive massive subscriber growth for its streaming platform, JioHotstar . For the ICC, securing the Indian market—their most valuable—is non-negotiable for the financial health of the global game.

What It Means for the T20 World Cup 2026

The most immediate impact of this confirmation is for the JioStar T20 World Cup 2026 broadcast. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this 20-team tournament is set to be a historic event .

With the JioStar ICC media rights deal firmly in place, fans can expect:

  • Continuity in Coverage: The broadcast experience, with its mix of expert commentary and innovative features on JioHotstar, will continue seamlessly .
  • No Last-Minute Scramble: The ICC no longer has to frantically shop for a new Indian broadcaster, which could have jeopardized promotional plans and ad sales .
  • Stable Pricing: A confirmed broadcaster provides market stability, which can help keep subscription and advertising costs more predictable.

This clarity is a huge win for the 2026 tournament’s success, ensuring it gets the massive audience and promotional push it deserves right here in its host nation.

It’s worth noting that the rumors likely gained traction because of the sheer complexity of the JioStar Disney Star merger. Creating a single, unified media powerhouse from two giant, previously competing entities is no small feat .

The integration of Star Sports’ legacy contracts, like the ICC deal, into the new JioStar structure is a massive operational undertaking . Some market analysts speculated that the new entity might want to re-evaluate or restructure some of these inherited, high-value agreements, especially in a volatile economic climate .

However, the joint statement from JioStar and the ICC demonstrates a strategic commitment to honoring the deal. It shows that, despite the merger chaos, the value of premier cricket content in India is seen as a long-term, non-negotiable asset.

What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward

For the average cricket fan in India, this is the best possible outcome. It means a direct line from your screen to the biggest moments in international cricket for the next three years. You can plan your viewing parties for the T20 World Cup 2026 with confidence, knowing JioHotstar will be the place to be.

This stability also benefits the entire cricket ecosystem, from advertisers looking to reach a massive audience to fantasy cricket platforms that rely on live match data.[INTERNAL_LINK:icc-events] The ICC broadcasting rights India situation is now settled, at least until 2027.

Conclusion: A Partnership Forged in Cricket

The swift and unambiguous denial from both JioStar and the ICC has put a critical issue to rest. The $3 billion JioStar ICC media rights deal is alive, well, and will continue to bring every boundary, wicket, and six from ICC events to Indian fans. This commitment not only secures the broadcast future of the T20 World Cup 2026 but also reinforces the deep, symbiotic relationship between Indian media giants and the global governing body of cricket.

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