Delhi High Court Grants JioStar Real-Time Blocking Powers Against Rogue Streaming Sites for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Exclusive report for www.bharattone.com – January 31, 2026

In a major boost to anti-piracy efforts ahead of one of cricket’s biggest global events, the Delhi High Court has granted JioStar India Private Limited sweeping powers to block rogue websites and apps streaming content illegally in real time. The ex-parte ad-interim injunction, passed on January 29-30, 2026, covers the ongoing ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (January 15 – February 6) and the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 (February 7 – March 8).

The order empowers JioStar – the exclusive broadcast and digital rights holder for these ICC events in India – to identify and demand immediate blocking of infringing platforms without needing fresh court approvals each time. This “Dynamic+” mechanism addresses the notorious “hydra-headed” nature of online piracy, where blocked sites quickly resurface as mirrors, proxies, or new domains.

Key Details of the Court Order

Justice Jyoti Singh (or relevant bench, per reports) recognized JioStar’s prima facie case of copyright infringement under the Copyright Act. The court noted:

• JioStar’s exclusive rights stem from a Media Rights Agreement dated August 27, 2022, with the International Cricket Council (ICC), covering digital media, television, and ancillary rights for ICC events from 2024-2027.
• Rogue sites/apps stream matches illegally, often free or at minimal cost, causing irreparable harm, massive revenue loss, and dilution of exclusive rights.
• Delay in blocking during live events would defeat the purpose, given the organized and intentional infringement.

The injunction restrains defendants (including identified rogue websites like those in the suit Jiostar India Private Limited vs Ghd Sports & Ors) from:

• Hosting, streaming, reproducing, communicating, or distributing any part of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 and ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026.
• Using any digital platform to infringe JioStar’s rights.

Enforcement Mechanism

The court directed:

• Domain Name Registrars to suspend/block identified domains and disclose registrant details via sealed affidavits.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecom Service Providers to block access immediately upon JioStar’s intimation.
• Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to issue necessary directions for compliance and real-time enforcement.

This dynamic process allows JioStar to report newly discovered infringing URLs/UI during the tournaments for swift blocking—no repeated court hearings required.

Why This Matters for Cricket Fans and the Industry

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 set to captivate millions across India and globally (streamed/monetized via JioStar’s platforms including JioHotstar), piracy has long been a thorn. Illegal streams undercut legitimate viewership, subscriptions, and ad revenue.

This ruling builds on precedents:

• Similar dynamic injunctions for past ICC events (e.g., 2023 Cricket World Cup, 2024 T20 World Cup).
• Recent orders protecting JioStar’s rights for India vs South Africa and New Zealand series.

Experts hail it as a strong step in combating digital piracy, ensuring fans access official broadcasts while protecting broadcasters’ investments.

JioStar’s move underscores the judiciary’s proactive stance on protecting intellectual property in the streaming era, especially for high-stakes live sports.

For the full court order details, refer to Indian Kanoon or official filings. Stay tuned to BharatTone for updates on the T20 World Cup and anti-piracy developments. Cricket fever is on—watch it the right way!