Sports
JioStar drags Legends League Cricket to Delhi High Court in media rights row
The streaming giant secured an interim order on the very day the tournament was set to kick off, freezing commercial dealings and pushing the dispute toward mediation
MUMBAI: JioStar India moved fast and hit hard. On March 11th, the same day the Legends League Cricket Masters T20 Tournament was scheduled to begin, the company secured an interim order from the Delhi High Court against Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited, the outfit that runs the league, in a bitter dispute over media and commercial rights.
The petition, filed under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, before Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, sought ad-interim protection preventing Absolute Legends from creating third-party rights, transferring, assigning or otherwise dealing with the media and commercial rights relating to the league. In plain terms: JioStar wanted to stop Absolute Legends from doing any more deals with anyone else while the dispute runs its course.
What Absolute Legends agreed to
Senior advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari, appearing for Absolute Legends, did not come to court empty-handed. He submitted that the company would file a comprehensive affidavit disclosing all commercial transactions currently being undertaken, including the agreement entered into with the second respondent in the case. The affidavit, he said, would be filed by all directors of the company.
Crucially, Bhandari also undertook that any receivables arising from commercial arrangements connected to the league would be deposited directly with the court, in an account to be opened by the registrar general, toward satisfaction of the admitted liability. The one caveat: those deposits should not prevent Absolute Legends from meeting its operational expenses necessary for the smooth functioning of its commercial activities. In other words, the company wants to keep the lights on while the legal battle plays out.
JioStar was represented by senior advocate Kunal Tandon, leading a team that included Aanchal Tandon, Niti Jain, Niharika Sharma, Nitai Agarwal and Natasa, along with Krishma Shah as the authorised representative of the petitioner.
Mediation ordered, next date set
Both sides agreed that the matter should be referred for mediation, and the court obliged. The dispute was directed to the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre, with parties ordered to appear before it on March 13th. The incharge of the mediation centre was requested to appoint a senior mediator. The case is listed before the court again on March 17th for further proceedings.
The timing could hardly be more awkward for Legends League Cricket. A tournament that was supposed to be launching was instead the subject of a courtroom freeze on the very day it was meant to kick off. Whether mediation resolves the dispute quickly or the matter returns to a full hearing on March 17th, one thing is clear: JioStar is not prepared to let its rights walk out the door without a fight.
Sports
Jana Small Finance Bank partners with Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Bengaluru-based lender becomes official banking partner for 2026 T20 League season.
MUMBAI: When two homegrown Bengaluru brands decide to join forces, the partnership is bound to hit a six especially when one is a defending champion and the other is all about backing aspirations. Jana Small Finance Bank has announced its partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the Official Banking Partner for the 2026 season of the T20 League. As part of the association, Jana Small Finance Bank will serve as the exclusive banking partner of the franchise throughout the duration of the partnership.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions, remain one of the most followed teams in the league, boasting a strong and passionate fan base across India and globally. The collaboration brings together two brands united by a shared ethos of aspiration, resilience and belief, aiming to create deeper connections with audiences during the cricketing season.
Jana Small Finance Bank, MD and CEO Ajay Kanwal said the partnership reflects a natural alignment. “We are delighted to partner with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as their Official Banking Partner. Both Jana Small Finance Bank and RCB are proudly headquartered in Bengaluru, and this association reflects our shared connect with the city and its people,” he noted. He highlighted that RCB’s journey mirrors values of resilience, potential and ethical practices that resonate closely with the bank.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, CEO Rajesh Menon welcomed the tie-up stating, “We are delighted to welcome Jana Small Finance Bank as our Official Banking Partner. As two Bengaluru-rooted brands, this partnership is built on shared values of resilience, integrity and a commitment to excellence. We look forward to creating meaningful engagements for our fans and communities across India.”
The partnership will run for the 2026 season, spanning March to December 2026.
In the world of cricket and banking, this alliance proves that when two Bengaluru powerhouses team up, the real winners are the fans – and the future looks brighter than a six over the boundary.
