Dispute Over IPL and WPL Media Rights Erupts in Bangladesh
Media Rights Conflict in Bangladesh
Dhaka, Bangladesh - A significant dispute has arisen regarding the media rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in Bangladesh. JioStar India Private Limited, which owns the primary rights, has officially terminated its sub-licensing agreements in Bangladesh due to payment defaults by Excel Lead IT Solutions FZ-LLC, the parent company of T-Sports, according to sources.
The original agreements were made between Viacom18 Media Private Limited (now JioStar) and Clifford Commodity DMCC, which were later transferred to Excel Lead (T-Sports). These agreements encompassed the digital media rights for the IPL and WPL in Bangladesh for the seasons spanning 2023 to 2027.
Sources indicate that in January 2026, JioStar requested payment for outstanding dues related to the IPL 2025 and WPL 2025 seasons. Despite granting Excel Lead access to all relevant matches for commercial exploitation, the payments remained unsettled. The grace period for remedying these defaults expired without resolution, prompting JioStar to exercise its right to terminate the agreements.
As a result, all licensed rights reverted to JioStar, which has demanded payment of all outstanding amounts, including interest and associated costs from the due dates.
Following the termination, Excel Lead (T-Sports) has been ordered to halt any broadcasting, streaming, or promotion of IPL and WPL rights in Bangladesh. The rights for these leagues have reverted to JioStar, and any continued use would be considered unauthorized and infringe upon JioStar’s proprietary media rights.
JioStar is also contemplating legal action, including seeking interim and injunctive relief to prevent unauthorized exploitation and safeguard the commercial integrity of these valuable cricket properties.
In another matter regarding IPL media rights in Bangladesh, JioStar has initiated arbitration against Green Bean Sports Marketing, associated with Gazi TV Bangladesh, concerning a sublicensing agreement for IPL television rights for the 2023-27 seasons.
According to sources, signals for the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons were transmitted as per the agreement. However, breaches of contract and payment issues led to JioStar terminating the agreement in January 2025.
Following this termination, JioStar has invoked arbitration to resolve disputes and enforce its contractual rights.
Industry insiders report that JioStar remains optimistic about the judicial process and its litigation efforts, aiming for full recovery of outstanding dues from the defaulting parties, including overdue interest and litigation costs.
Observers note that this situation highlights the growing emphasis on enforcing high-value sports media rights in the region, especially as prominent cricket properties continue to attract significant commercial interest across South Asia.