High Court
Court allows ESS to telecast India cricket highlights
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: In what could be termed a minor victory for ESPN-Star Sports, the Delhi High Court today allowed highlights of the cricket matches between West Indies and India to be aired on ESPN and Star Sports in India.
According to an official release issued by ESPN India: “By its order, following a detailed hearing today, a specially constituted division bench of the Delhi High Court hearing the appeal stayed the operation of the order of a single judge of the Delhi High Court dated October 11, 2002 which had injuncted TWI/ Stracon from telecasting the highlights of the BCCI cricket matches in India through ESPN and STAR Sports channels in India.”
Doordarshan, (which has the exclusive rights to telecast the cricket matches as per an agreement with BCCI), along with MEN had moved the court seeking a stay on airing of highlights of cricket matches on ESPN and Star Sports.
The ESPN statement further said: “The highlights of the second Test (being played in Chennai) will be aired from today onwards at 8:00 pm on Star Sports and 11:30 pm on ESPN.”
ESPN STAR Sports had earlier announced the acquisition of telecast rights to feature comprehensive daily highlights of all international cricket played in India till September 2004. Starting with the first test of the India-West Indies series on 9 October, both ESPN and Star Sports had started showcasing the India cricket highlights, including a comprehensive analysis of all international cricket played in India, at prime time on a daily basis.
High Court
Delhi HC blocks illegal IPL 2026 streams, backs JioStar rights
Court orders swift takedowns, expands crackdown on piracy apps
NEW DELHI: In a timely move ahead of the cricketing season, the Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to JioStar India Private Limited, clamping down on illegal streaming of the TATA Indian Premier League 2026.
The court passed ex parte ad interim injunctions in two separate suits, restraining rogue websites and mobile applications from broadcasting IPL matches without authorisation. The tournament is set to begin on 28 March, making the timing of the order particularly significant.
Recognising JioStar’s exclusive digital and broadcast rights for the IPL cycle from 2023 to 2027, the court observed that unauthorised streaming would infringe its statutory and proprietary rights, potentially causing irreparable losses.
In one case, the court directed several identified websites to immediately stop hosting or streaming IPL content. It also issued a dynamic injunction, allowing JioStar to flag new infringing platforms in real time, which must then be blocked swiftly by domain registrars and internet service providers.
In a parallel order, the court turned its attention to piracy through mobile apps, particularly Android-based platforms distributing content via APK files. A broader dynamic+ injunction was granted, extending to future variants, mirror links and related interfaces, signalling a tougher stance on evolving piracy tactics.
The court also directed domain name registrars to suspend offending domains and share registrant details, including KYC and payment information. Internet service providers and telecom operators have been instructed to block access within strict timelines, in some instances within 36 hours. Both the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology have been asked to facilitate enforcement through necessary notifications.
Noting the fast-changing nature of digital piracy, the court emphasised the need for real-time enforcement tools to keep pace with anonymous and constantly shifting networks. It also underlined the commercial impact of piracy on legitimate rights holders.
The ruling reinforces the judiciary’s firm stance on protecting intellectual property in the digital age. For viewers, it is a reminder to stick to official platforms as the IPL season kicks off under tighter watch.
