After days of speculation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar on Friday issued a joint statement firmly dismissing reports that the broadcaster planned to exit its four-year media rights agreement. Both organisations clarified that the contract remains fully valid and that JioStar will continue to deliver coverage for all upcoming ICC events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup scheduled from February 7 to March 8 next year.

Speculation over JioStar’s withdrawal intensified earlier this week after a report in The Economic Times claimed that the Reliance Group-owned broadcaster had communicated its intent to pull out of the deal.

The report also noted a significant jump in JioStar’s estimated loss provisions for sports contracts rising to Rs 25,760 crore in FY25 from Rs 12,319 crore in the previous financial year. However, Friday’s joint statement categorically rejected the claims.

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“The existing agreement between the ICC and JioStar remains fully in force, and JioStar continues as the ICC’s official media rights partner in India. Any suggestion that JioStar has withdrawn from the agreement is incorrect,” the statement read.

T20 World Cup preparations in full swing

JioStar reiterated that it is “fully committed” to honouring its contractual responsibilities. The media company reassured that fans can expect uninterrupted, high-quality coverage of all ICC events. Both parties emphasised that preparations for the T20 World Cup are advancing as scheduled and teams are working in full swing.

“Both organisations remain focused on delivering uninterrupted, world-class coverage of upcoming ICC events to fans across India, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, one of the sport’s most anticipated global tournaments. Preparations for these events are progressing exactly as planned,” the firms said.

‘ICC and JioStar maintain regular communication’

Importantly, the ICC and JioStar assured stakeholders that the recent media reports will not affect advertisers, industry partners or viewers. “ICC and JioStar, as long-term commercial partners, maintain regular communication on operational, commercial and strategic matters focused on the role the partnership can play in growing the sport,” the statement further read.