Our Bureau
Mumbai
In a major boost for cricket enthusiasts, JioHotstar has secured exclusive digital streaming rights for India’s highly anticipated five-Test series against England, set to commence on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. The landmark deal, finalized after nearly a month of negotiations, ensures that fans can catch all the action live on JioHotstar’s digital platform, while Sony Sports Network will continue to broadcast the matches on television.
The agreement, which comes via a sublicensing arrangement with Sony Entertainment Network, marks a significant development in the sports broadcasting landscape. Although neither JioHotstar nor Sony has released an official statement yet, a formal announcement is expected later today. The partnership is also believed to extend to India’s 2026 white-ball tour of England, featuring three ODIs and five T20Is, further strengthening the collaboration between the two media giants.
Sony had previously acquired the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) broadcast rights for the Indian market in an eight-year deal running through 2031. The ECB reportedly played a pivotal role in facilitating the digital sublicensing arrangement with Jio and Star, ensuring widespread access for Indian audiences.
The five-match Test series will see India, led by Shubman Gill with Rishabh Pant as his deputy, face England at iconic venues: Headingley (June 20), Edgbaston (July 2), Lord’s (July 10), Old Trafford (July 23), and The Oval (July 31). The series is a crucial part of the World Test Championship cycle, promising high-stakes cricket for fans across both digital and traditional platforms.
