The Starzplay subscription streaming platform has added to its growing cricket portfolio by securing exclusive rights to air the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The deal will see Starzplay provide live coverage of all matches during the flagship cricket tournament co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which started over the weekend (February 7) and runs through March 8, featuring 20 teams competing across 55 matches.
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This deal has been struck despite the threat of a boycott looming over the tournament's highest-profile picture – India versus Pakistan on February 15 (Sunday). Other high-profile matchups will feature leading teams, including South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, England, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka.
As part of its coverage, Starzplay has partnered with hotel company Marriott to host two dedicated Fan Zones at its Barasti and Warehouse hotels in Dubai, UAE, which will live-stream every match during the World Cup.
Maaz Sheikh, co-founder and chief executive of Starzplay, said: “Renewing and holding exclusive rights to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for another year reflects our commitment to bringing the world’s biggest cricket moments to fans across MENA.
“In the UAE, and alongside our coverage, the Fan Zones we are hosting in partnership with Marriott Bonvoy allow us to extend these moments beyond the screen to strengthen our connection with local sports communities and create shared environments, where fans can celebrate the game together.”
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By GlobalDataThe rights add to Starzplay's existing cricket properties stable, with that list including India’s top-tier men’s Indian Premier League as well as its Women’s Premier League.
Meanwhile, Perot Jain, the Dallas-based venture capital and private equity firm, has doubled down on its cricket investment by sponsoring the US Men’s National team during the tournament.
The US is competing in the group stages as part of Group A alongside India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and Namibia, with the team having lost against India in its first match on Saturday (February 7). The side's next game, meanwhile, is against Pakistan tomorrow.
The partnership adds to Perot Jain’s involvement in cricket as co-owner of the North America’s Major League Cricket and the Texas Super Kings franchise. As part of its ownership, it invested in the redevelopment of the US’s first professional cricket stadium in Grand Prairie, North Texas.
Fara Gosi, ICC Americas’ regional development manager, said: “The team’s participation at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is a significant achievement
“This sponsorship proves Perot Jain’s confidence in the team’s potential and its ability to compete at the highest level of international T20 cricket.”
The company’s investment comes as cricket prepares to return to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 for the first time in a century, with Perot Jain looking to develop homegrown talent for the US men’s and women’s national teams.
The Irish men’s national team has announced Indian spend management solutions company Zaggle as an official sponsor for its participation in the World Cup.
The partnership sees Zaggle’s logo appear on the leading arm of the team’s playing shirt as the brand looks to strengthen its international visibility.
Ireland has been placed in Group B alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka, Australia, Oman, and Zimbabwe, with the team losing its opening match against Sri Lanka yesterday.
Raj P. Narayanam, founder & executive chairman of Zaggle, has commented: “Cricket is a sport that unites people across borders, much like technology connects enterprises across ecosystems.
“This association reflects Zaggle’s global ambitions and our belief in supporting teams that play with passion, focus, and purpose on the world stage.”
Elsewhere, the Dutch national team has added Indian financial services firm Globe Group and cybersecurity company Tachyon Security as commercial partner for their run in the tournament.
Globe Group has been unveiled as the team’s title sponsor, while Tachyon Security will financially support the team during the World Cup.
The Dutch team is scheduled to play India, Pakistan, Namibia, and the US during the group stage.
KNBC board member Rashid Shah said of the body's partnership with Globe Group: “Our men's team has qualified for the T20 World Cup seven times in a row now. We're going from strength to strength.
“With strong performances, there will be excellent opportunities for serious international exposure for business partners who share their ambitions with our national teams.”
