Jio Dumps ICC Rights: Bidding Battle Returns, Who Will Step In?

In a stunning blow, JioStar has walked away from its four-year ICC India media rights deal (2024-27) midway, forcing the ICC to reopen bidding months before the 2026 T20 World Cup. Experts say Jio realised only India matches draw massive viewership, making the remaining global events unprofitable compared to their heavy IPL investment. With two years already lost, fresh bidders like Amazon or Netflix are unlikely to match the original sky-high valuation. Analysts predict the ICC will have to accept a heavily discounted renegotiated deal to avoid a broadcast blackout. This exit highlights a harsh truth: outside IPL, Indian cricket rights are losing their golden sheen.