JioHotstar affirms commitment to ICC media rights amid speculation

Leading streaming platform JioHotstar has reaffirmed its commitment to honour its contractual obligations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) , dismissing reports suggesting it may exit the current media rights agreement ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 .

JioHotstar, the joint venture formed after the merger of Reliance’s media business and Disney’s India operations, stated that both organisations remain focused on delivering uninterrupted, world-class coverage of upcoming ICC events to fans across India. The statement emphasized that preparations for the T20 World Cup and other ICC events are progressing smoothly, with no impact on viewers, advertisers, or industry partners.

“ ICC and JioHotstar, as long-term commercial partners, maintain regular communication on operational, commercial, and strategic matters aimed at growing the sport ,” the company said.

The clarification follows media reports suggesting that JioHotstar might walk away from the remaining two years of its four-year, USD 3-billion contract due to financial losses, prompting the ICC to reportedly explore new bidders for the 2026-29 rights cycle.

Responding to the reports, the ICC echoed JioHotstar’s position, stating, “The existing agreement between the ICC and JioHotstar remains fully in force, and JioHotstar continues as the ICC’s official media rights partner in India. Any suggestion that JioHotstar has withdrawn from the agreement is incorrect. The company is fully committed to honouring its contractual obligations in letter and spirit.”

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, both the ICC and JioHotstar have assured fans and stakeholders that coverage will remain seamless, and the partnership continues to play a key role in promoting cricket across India.