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With No Broadcaster Confirmed Yet, ICC's Plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup are Now in Serious Jeopardy.
Jiostar has reportedly served a notice to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to terminate their partnership. The bank on RMG (Real Money Gaming) is cited as the central reason. The development comes just two months before the T20 World Cup. This triggered the concerns over commercial stability and event planning.
RMG Ban Impact
The Reliance and Disney Star group-owned conglomerate has sent a formal notice to the world cricket governing body to end the deal with two years left on the deal, which was signed in 2024 till 2027.
The Indian government passed the Protection and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, with the advertising market now seeing a gap of $840 million (Rs. 7000 crore). The ban on real-money gaming (RMG) apps such as Dream11, Mycircle has been described as a key reason.
Jiostar lost Rs. 25,760 crore from sports contracts in 2024-25. In 2023-24, the figure was reported to be 12,319 crore.
Reports indicate that mounting financial stress and substantial losses are the primary reasons behind JioStar's decision.
ICC Looking for New Broadcaster
The ICC need to find a new broadcaster with just two months remaining for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The cricket governing body is looking at an estimated value of $2.4 billion (Rs. 21633 crore approx). This will be less than the current deal for the 2024-27 cycle purchased by Jiostar, which is of $3 billion (Rs. 27042 crore approx).
ICC have reached out to Sony, Amazon and Netflix, but none of them have shown interest due to the high price.
The 2026 Men's U-19 World Cup will also be held next month. The ongoing 2023-27 cycle media rights cycle also includes the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup and 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup.
India is all set to co-host the 2026 T20 World Cup along with Sri Lanka. The marquee tournament will run from February 7 to March 8. ICC's plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup are now in serious jeopardy with no broadcaster confirmed yet.