Prasar Bharati eyes ICC media rights bid as JioStar exit sparks fresh broadcast contest

Industry discussions indicate that several private players including Sony Pictures Networks India, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video are among the potential contenders

by e4m Staff
Published: Dec 12, 2025 2:48 PM | 2 min read

India’s public broadcaster Prasar Bharati is reportedly preparing to enter the bidding for the International Cricket Council (ICC) media rights in India, following indications that current rights holder JioStar may not fulfil its existing contract obligations.

Sources cited in media reports suggest that JioStar, the entity holding exclusive Indian broadcast and streaming rights for ICC events under the 2024–27 cycle, has been facing financial challenges and has informed the ICC of its inability to continue servicing the deal for the remaining two years. This development has prompted the global cricket body to seek alternative partners to ensure coverage for marquee events, including those leading up to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Read On: Media rights: ICC's hunt for JioStar successor may be easier said than done

With the situation unfolding, Prasar Bharati is understood to be evaluating how it can compete in the race for rights, potentially leveraging its terrestrial and digital platforms, including Doordarshan, DD Freedish, and associated OTT channels.

Reportedly, MIB will participate in the process regardless of how the ICC structures the bid whether as a consolidated package or broken out by tournament or match type.

Meanwhile, industry discussions indicate that several private players including Sony Pictures Networks India, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video are among the potential contenders being approached by the ICC as it seeks to fill the gap left by JioStar’s exit.

Read On: ICC approaches SPNI, Netflix, Amazon to take over media rights as JioStar seeks exit

As the ICC rights cycle is vital to the sport’s media landscape in India, Prasar Bharati’s reported interest marks a notable shift, positioning the public broadcaster as a possible alternative in a competitive field for cricket content distribution.