Delhi High Court Refers Legends League Cricket Media Rights Dispute Between Jiostar And Absolute Legends To Mediation

The Delhi High Court refrained from granting interim relief to Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd. in its dispute with Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd., the company that runs the Legends League Cricket tournament, over media and commercial rights linked to the league.

A single-judge bench of Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar instead asked the parties to attempt a settlement through mediation after both the parties agreed to the same. 

"Acceding to the same, the matter is referred to Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre (“Mediation Centre”) and the parties are directed to appear through their respective counsel before the Mediation Centre on 13.03.2026."

Jiostar told the court that it had entered into a media rights agreement with Absolute Legends for the broadcast and commercial exploitation of the Legends League Cricket tournament.

According to the company, disagreements later arose over the respondents' handling of media rights and over payments allegedly due under the arrangement. Jiostar sought urgent orders to stop the respondents from creating third-party rights or entering fresh commercial deals connected with the tournament.

The plea gained urgency because the Legends League Cricket T20 season 2026 was scheduled to begin on March 11. Jiostar argued that once the tournament started and commercial arrangements were executed, its contractual claims could be seriously affected.

Appearing for Absolute Legends, senior counsel submitted that discussions over payments were ongoing but the tournament could not be halted, as its smooth conduct depended on existing commercial commitments and revenue flows. It was also argued that the media rights agreement had already been finalized and that the rights themselves were not under dispute.

After hearing both sides, the court chose not to pass any immediate restraining order. Instead, it recorded an undertaking from Absolute Legends that it would file an affidavit setting out all ongoing commercial transactions, including agreements with third parties, along with details of the money expected to be received from them.

The company also stated that any such receipts would first be deposited with the court towards admitted dues, though it would be allowed to use funds required for operational expenses necessary to run the tournament.

With both sides agreeing, the judge referred the matter to the Delhi High Court Mediation and Conciliation Centre and directed them to appear before the mediator.

The case came up again on March 17, was listed the following day as well, and now stands posted for further hearing on March 19. 

Meanwhile, the Legends League Cricket T20 Season 2026 has already begun, and matches are continuing as scheduled.

For Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd.: Senior Advocate Kunal Tandon along with Aanchal Tandon, Niti Jain, Niharika Sharma, Nitai Agarwal, Natasa, Advocates, along with Krishma Shah (Authorised Representative).

For Absolute Legends Sports Pvt. Ltd.: Senior Advocate Abhimanyu Bhandari along with Arjun Syal, Shreyan Das, Vidisha Kumar and Naman Verma, Advocates (Syal & Co.).

For Respondent No. 2: Pakhi Jain, Advocate.