ICC, JioStar quash exit talk; confirm 4-year deal stands

The International Cricket Council (ICC) and JioStar have reiterated their long-term association and denied any suggestion that the media partner is looking to pull out of the four-year, USD 3 billion deal.

"JioStar is fully committed to honour its contractual obligations in letter and spirit. 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," the official statement read on Friday (December 12), days after reports emerged that the company is considering withdrawing from the deal that is to run till 2027.

Cricbuzz reported on December 9 that a separation between the parties would be untenable.

The statement read, "The ICC and JioStar have noted recent media reports concerning the status of the ICC's media rights agreement in India. These reports do not reflect the position of either organisation. 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 Any suggestion that JioStar has withdrawn from the agreement is incorrect."

It further stated, "Preparations for these (T20 World Cup) events are progressing exactly as planned, and there is no impact on viewers, advertisers, or industry partners. 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."