Big Breaking: Delhi High Court block all websites to stop illegal streaming of BCCI matches

Viacom 18 Secures Exclusive Rights:

In a monumental development for Indian cricket, Viacom 18 has secured the coveted broadcasting rights for streaming India’s cricket matches for the next five years, from 2023 to 2028. This landmark agreement signifies a significant shift in the landscape of cricket broadcasting in the country. With Viacom 18 at the helm, cricket fans can expect an enhanced viewing experience, coupled with stringent measures to curb illegal telecasting of matches.

Delhi High Court Takes Action

To ensure the integrity of this arrangement, the Delhi High Court has taken a proactive stance. It has mandated the formation of an interim ad-hoc committee tasked with the responsibility of halting the illegal telecast of cricket matches. This crucial intervention aims to preserve the exclusivity of Viacom 18’s media rights and maintain the sanctity of the broadcasting ecosystem.

Cracking Down on Illicit Broadcasting

One of the key directives from the Delhi High Court is the enforcement of website blockades by Internet service providers. These actions are designed to thwart the efforts of unauthorized platforms attempting to broadcast cricket matches. The only exception to this directive is Jio, the official broadcaster, ensuring that Viacom 18 has an unobstructed path to exercise its exclusive rights.

 

Viacom 18’s Commitment to Combat Piracy

Anil Lale, General Counsel at Viacom 18, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to combating piracy. Viacom 18 has a storied history of actively engaging in the fight against unauthorized broadcasting, and this recent legal victory marks another significant milestone. Lale stated, “We at Viacom18 are proud to be the exclusive digital and television broadcaster for Indian cricket. Viacom18 has always been at the forefront in the fight against piracy. I am sure this is a welcome step for all the cricket fans as also for bona fide broadcasters like us who spend huge sums to get these rights. While we are proud to say that we have won several battles against these pirate websites, we understand that the war against piracy is a continuing one and we are committed towards winning it.”

A Bright Future for Indian Cricket Broadcasting

The partnership between Viacom 18 and Indian cricket heralds a new era for the sport’s broadcasting in the country. With legal interventions in place and a staunch commitment to combating piracy, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to uninterrupted and high-quality coverage of their favorite matches. This development underscores the importance of protecting the intellectual property rights of broadcasters and ensuring that cricket fans have access to authentic and premium content. As the legal battle against piracy continues, Viacom 18 stands resolute in its mission to preserve the integrity of cricket broadcasting in India.