Recently, a big question has arisen in the minds of Indian cricket fans. Where will the T20 World Cup matches to be held in India and Sri Lanka next year, in February-March 2026, be broadcast? There were rumours in various media outlets that broadcaster JioHotstar might walk away from its $3 billion long-term deal with the ICC. But a joint statement from both the ICC and JioHotstar last week put an end to all these rumours. It is now confirmed that all ICC events till 2027, including the 2026 T20 World Cup, will be broadcast on JioHotstar platform.
A web of rumours and a strong denial
The rumours that were doing the rounds in the media last week were quite strong. It was reported that JioHotstar was looking to walk away from the long-term deal worth $3 billion. The argument behind this was said to be the company’s financial losses – which according to one report has reached around Rs 25,760 crore. Many speculated that the ICC had already started looking for new potential partners like Sony, Amazon Prime or Netflix. The rumours created a cloud of uncertainty among cricket fans.
But a joint statement issued recently by the ICC and JioHotstar categorically dismissed all the rumours as “false” and “frivolous”. The statement reaffirmed that JioHotstar is not only upholding the deal, but is also committed to fulfilling all its obligations.
The importance of a strong partnership
This partnership between ICC and JioHotstar is not just a commercial agreement, it is a very important bridge to connect with Indian cricket fans. JioHotstar has become synonymous with the broadcasting culture of cricket in India over the past two decades. This long-term agreement (2024-2027) is strategically important for both parties:
- For ICC: It ensures a stable, large revenue stream, which serves as a capital for the development of cricket around the world.
- For JioHotstar: Helps them maintain their position as the largest sports broadcaster in India and plays a role in gaining the trust of subscribers and advertisers.
Looking to the future: 2026 T20 World Cup
With all the doubts cleared, the focus is now squarely on cricket’s most exciting event – the 2026 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This competition will be the stage for teams like India, Australia, England to fight for the title again after the 2024 World Cup. With no uncertainty about the broadcast, viewers can freely tune in to those matches where three sixes in an over or the drama of the last over will make their hearts beat faster.
This World Cup will see the emergence of new stars and the farewell of veterans. It could also be the last T20 World Cup for leaders like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, which will make this tournament even more significant.
Financial Challenges and Road Ahead
Of course, the financial challenges facing JioHotstar have not gone away in the wind. However, this joint statement reveals that the company is committed to maintaining its involvement with cricket despite facing these challenges. They probably thought that losing the broadcasting rights of a mega event like the World Cup could cause a bigger financial loss to their brand and market position in the long run. Besides, the deal also provides an opportunity for digital streaming platform JioHotstar to increase subscribers and experiment with new revenue models.
In the final analysis, this entire episode is a triumph for cricket and its fans. The absence of any ambiguity about which television screen will be used to watch the game means that fans can focus on the excitement of the game. When Hardik Pandya hits a brilliant yorker in the last over or Suryakumar Yadav tries to hit 6 sixes in 6 balls to score 36, the audience will not be holding the remote in their hands but will keep their eyes on the pitch.
This clear announcement by the ICC and JioHotstar is not just a commercial decision, it is also a promise to the crores of cricket lovers in India. Where there are no red cards, no nightmares. There is only the ball flying in the sky of cricket, shots coming out of the bat and the excitement that is gradually increasing. The arrangements are ready, the broadcast is ready. Now we just wait for that first ball that will take the breath of the entire world. Read more
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