In a shocking blow to international cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is grappling with a full-blown broadcasting crisis as JioStar, the joint venture between Reliance's Jio Platforms and Disney's Star India, has abruptly exited its multi-year media rights deal.
The decision, announced on December 7, 2025, stems from staggering financial losses, leaving the sport's governing body scrambling for new partners just months before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The fallout couldn't come at a worse time. JioStar, which had secured global broadcast rights for ICC events from 2024 to 2027 in a $3 billion agreement back in 2023, cited unsustainable costs and declining ad revenues as the primary reasons for the pullout. Insiders reveal that the venture has racked up losses exceeding $500 million in the past 18 months, exacerbated by fragmented viewership and competition from streaming giants.
"The economics just don't add up anymore," a JioStar executive told reporters anonymously. "We've poured billions into production and marketing, but returns have plummeted amid economic headwinds and piracy issues."
This isn't just a domestic headache—it's a global one. The ICC's marquee events, including the upcoming T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 2026, now hang in the balance without a confirmed broadcaster.
Fans across 100+ countries could face blackouts or subpar streaming if no deal is inked soon. The tender process, reopened last week, has drawn crickets so far. Powerhouses like Sony Pictures Networks India and Amazon Prime Video have outright declined offers, sources close to the negotiations confirm.
Sony, fresh off its $990 million IPL rights win in 2022, balked at the ICC's proposed $1.2 billion valuation for the remaining cycle, calling it "overpriced in a saturated market." Amazon, which dabbled in cricket streaming with the 2018 IPL package, echoed similar sentiments, prioritizing profitability over prestige.
"We're focusing on scalable content," an Amazon spokesperson stated curtly. Other contenders like Viacom18 and Zee Entertainment have expressed interest but are dragging their feet, awaiting better terms.
The implications ripple far beyond the pitch. ICC's annual revenue, heavily reliant on media rights (which make up 70% of its $600 million budget), could nosedive by 40%, threatening grassroots programs, women's cricket initiatives, and prize money for associate nations.
"This is a wake-up call for cricket's commercialization," says sports economist Dr. Priya Sharma from the University of Mumbai. "The sport must adapt to digital-first audiences or risk alienating a new generation."
Adding fuel to the fire, whispers of internal ICC discord have surfaced. Chairman Jay Shah, under fire for the original deal's structure, faces calls for a strategic overhaul. A special board meeting is slated for December 15 in Dubai to explore emergency options, including short-term syndication deals or even free-to-air models in key markets like India and the UK.
For fans, the uncertainty is palpable. Social media is abuzz with #SaveCricketBroadcasts trending worldwide, as supporters demand transparency. One viral post from former Indian captain Virat Kohli read: "Cricket belongs to the people—don't let money games rob us of the thrill."
As the clock ticks toward the T20 World Cup opener on February 8, 2026, in Mumbai, the ICC's next moves will define not just the tournament's reach but the future of global cricket. Will a white knight emerge, or is this the start of a darker era? Stay tuned to our daily updates for the latest twists in this high-stakes drama.
