In a landmark move for Indian cricket fans, JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have announced a strategic collaboration to bring India's tours of England in 2025 and 2026 to viewers across digital and television platforms. This partnership ensures comprehensive coverage of all matches, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals.
Under the agreement, JioStar has secured the exclusive digital streaming rights, making all matches available on its JioHotstar platform. Meanwhile, SPNI will retain the television broadcast rights, showcasing the series on the Sony Sports Network. This dual approach aims to provide seamless access to cricket content for fans, catering to the growing preference for both digital and traditional viewing experiences.
The collaboration kicks off with the highly anticipated five-match Test series in England, commencing on June 20, 2025, at Headingley in Leeds. The series will then move to other iconic venues, including Birmingham (July 2), Lord's (July 10), Manchester (July 23), and conclude at The Oval (July 31). Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live-action on JioHotstar through digital streaming, while those preferring television can tune in to the Sony Sports Network.
Extending beyond the Test series, the agreement also encompasses India's 2026 tour of England, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is. This ensures that fans will have access to a complete package of cricket entertainment over the two years.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports and Live experiences, JioStar, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This collaboration is a win-win for all stakeholders involved - especially Indian Cricket fans - and serves the broader sporting landscape. The combination of JioHostar's deep digital footprint with SPNI's broadcast network will universalise access to India's tours of England." He further added that JioHotstar is committed to providing millions of fans with inclusive, intuitive, interactive, and immersive viewing experiences.
Gaurav Banerjee, MD and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India, echoed the sentiment, expressing his excitement about the partnership. "We are thrilled to bring this fantastic partnership to cricket fans for India's tour to England! Backed by the power of the Sony TV network and the digital prowess of JioStar - This first-of-its-kind partnership will hope to redefine cricket coverage," he said, while also thanking the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for their support.
Notably, Sony Pictures Networks India had secured exclusive India rights to England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) properties in 2023 through an eight-year deal running through 2031. The ECB also played a facilitative role in the sublicensing arrangement for digital rights with JioStar.
This strategic alliance between JioStar and Sony Pictures Networks India marks a significant development in the Indian sports broadcasting industry. By combining the strengths of both platforms, the partnership promises to deliver unparalleled cricket experiences to a wide range of audiences, reinforcing the growing trend of collaborative innovation in sports content delivery.
