JioStar Ends Bangladesh IPL Broadcasting After Payment Defaults

CHENNAI/DHAKA, March 30 - Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s JioStar has ended its IPL cricket broadcasting deals in Bangladesh, citing unpaid fees.

The decision comes after local broadcaster TSports failed to meet payment obligations under the 2023-2027 sublicense agreement.

Bangladesh banned IPL broadcasts in January after the Indian cricket board removed a Bangladeshi player, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Though Bangladesh is reviewing the ban, the termination means no local broadcaster will air the IPL this season, even if the ban is lifted.

JioStar, a joint venture of Reliance and Disney, did not respond to inquiries. TSports and Bangladeshi ministries also remained silent.

The IPL, valued at $18.5 billion, remains extremely popular in Bangladesh. Its latest season began March 28.

India-Bangladesh relations have been strained since Bangladesh’s political shift in August 2024. However, recent signals suggest a potential thaw with new leadership emphasizing mutual respect.

JioStar also canceled Women's Premier League broadcasts in Bangladesh due to similar defaults.