Ze filed a 70 million birr lawsuit against Star India in the ICC TV rights dispute

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), in a filing, said it has filed a counterclaim against Star India, now backed by Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), for $8 million plus interest (at Rs 70 crore). This comes after Star filed a $940 million claim in connection with the failed International Cricket Council (ICC) contract, which is currently being heard by the Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) in London.

The claim relates to Rs 69 crore paid by ZEEL to Star as per their agreement. ZEL said in a regulatory filing that the arbitration process to determine liability for alleged breach of the alliance agreement with Star is at an early stage.

On 23 December 2024, ZEEL filed its statement of defense denying all the claims raised by Star. A three-member arbitral tribunal appointed by the LCIA is hearing the dispute. On September 16, 2024, Star filed a statement of damages, which included an expert report on damages and witness statements.

Star, formerly owned by Walt Disney before it was majority owned by Reel, acquired the $3 billion ICC media rights after ZEL pulled out of the deal. Walt Disney and Bodty Tree Systems are shareholders in Star. The Star reported that Zeel defaulted on the first installment of $203.56 million (Rs 1,693 crore) and incurred additional obligations of Rs 17 crore for bank guarantee commission and interest on deposits.

In March 2024, Star initiated arbitration proceedings to enforce the agreement or seek damages. In June 2024, Star decided to terminate the deal and focused on claiming bankruptcy from ZEEL. On the other hand, ZEL Star has demanded a refund of Rs 69 crore, claiming that the deal was void due to non-fulfilment of its obligations.

In July 2024, Star India decided to end its exclusive partnership with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEE). That deal, which included sub-licensing the linear TV rights to the ICC men’s tournament for the 2024-27 cycle, was terminated due to breach of contract claims.

Star India terminated the deal on June 20, citing breach of contract, ZEE reported. In the year The deal, signed as early as August 26, 2022, establishes ZEE as a key player in broadcasting major ICC events such as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The termination of this partnership follows arbitration proceedings initiated by Star India in March. During these proceedings, the company requested the termination of the agreement by ZEE or compensation for unspecified damages.