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Zeel files $8 million counterclaim against Star India in ICC media rights dispute
MUMBAI: Like two Sumo wrestlers in the ring sizing each other up, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) and the Reliance-and Walt Disney backed Star India have been circling each other, eyeing each other in relation to a failed International Cricket Council (ICC ) men’s cricket rights (2024-27) rights deal the two had made with each other in August 2022. Both have been saying the other owes them money as the failed deal has proved to be an expensive affair.
Star’s first claimed $940 million in damages in September 2024 over the failed International Cricket Council (ICC) broadcasting rights deal. Now, it’s the turn of Zeel to file an $8 million counterclaim, plus interest against Star India. The dispute is being arbitrated by the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA)
It all began with Star sub-licensing ICC rights to Zeel. Zeel later withdrew from the agreement and Star India took over the entire $3billion liability for the rights. Star has argued that Zeel TV failed to pay the $203.56 million first instalment (Rs 1,693 crore) and meet additional financial obligations of Rs 17 crore for bank guarantees and deposit interest. In March 2024, Star initiated arbitration seeking enforcement of the agreement or damages. It later terminated the contract in June 2024 and focused on claiming damages.
Zeel submitted its defence on 23 December 2024, refuting Star’s claims and seeking a refund of Rs 69 crore paid under the agreement. The LCIA constituted a three-member tribunal, with proceedings at an early stage. Zee TV has argued that that the agreement became void due to Star’s failure to meet conditions precedent, including financial guarantees and ICC approval. Zeel also cited the planned (but now failed) merger with Sony Pictures Networks as a complicating factor. Star India reported a Rs 12,548 crore net loss for FY24, driven by a Rs 12,319 crore provision for the ICC media rights deal.
Zeel maintains that the dispute will not significantly impact its operations or finances, citing the strength of its legal position. The company’s board is monitoring the matter and remains confident in its ability to defend against Star’s claims.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
