Delhi HC Empowers JioStar with Real-Time Blocking Against Piracy Sites for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

In a landmark decision, the Delhi High Court has granted JioStar unprecedented powers to combat illegal streaming during major cricket tournaments. This dynamic injunction allows the broadcaster to block rogue websites in real-time without returning to court for each new violation.

Understanding the Court Order

The Court recognized JioStar as the exclusive rights holder for the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2026 (January 15 – February 6) and the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 (February 7 – March 8), covering broadcasts through JioStar’s channels and JioHotstar OTT platform.

JioStar Tournament Schedule & Rights Coverage

What Makes This Order Unique?

Dynamic+ Injunction: A Legal Innovation

The Court observed that rogue websites operate through systematic infringement, frequently resurfacing through mirror and redirect domains. The Dynamic+ injunction allows JioStar to identify new infringing websites, report them directly to authorities, and trigger immediate blocking without fresh court applications.

Real-Time Enforcement Mechanism

Domain Name Registrars, Internet Service Providers, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology must block identified rogue websites immediately. This reflects the time-sensitive nature of live sports broadcasting, where delays result in massive revenue losses.

The Piracy Problem: Why This Matters

JioStar invested heavily in acquiring exclusive ICC rights. Unauthorized platforms like Cricfy TV and SportzX TV offered free access to millions, directly undermining revenue. The court acknowledged that delays in blocking would result in irreparable harm and rights dilution.

Modern piracy employs sophisticated techniques including mirror domains, redirect chains, mobile APK distribution, and embedded streams—allowing pirates to stay operational despite previous blocks.

Implications for Cricket Fans & the Industry

Cricket fans should expect improved streaming quality on JioHotstar as the platform captures audiences previously lost to piracy. This precedent extends beyond cricket—other sports leagues and content creators can now seek Dynamic+ injunctions for their live events.

India’s judiciary has demonstrated a technology-responsive approach to intellectual property protection, setting a template for future cases involving time-sensitive digital content, from esports tournaments to movie premieres.

Who’s Affected by the Blocking Order?

Primary Targets: Cricfy TV, SportzX TV, Embedsports.top, and numerous unnamed “John Doe” defendants

Enforcement Authorities: Domain Name Registrars, Internet Service Providers, Department of Telecommunications, and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

What Happens Next?

JioStar must submit regular compliance affidavits updating the court on newly blocked domains. The next hearing will review effectiveness during the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026, when viewership—and piracy attempts—will peak.

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