The Delhi High Court has ordered internet service providers and domain registrars to block eight websites accused of illegally streaming cricket matches broadcast under Sony Pictures Networks India’s exclusive rights. The ex parte interim order was issued during the ongoing India Tour of England for women and men, which started on May 25 and July 1, 2026, respectively, and will conclude this month, according to medianama.com.
Justice Jyoti Singh granted the injunction after Sony established a prima facie case, with the balance of convenience favouring the company. The court directed domain registrars to suspend the eight domains immediately upon receiving the order. The websites targeted include cricfree.cyou, topstream.pro, thegamesurf.com, crichd.top, cracksports.me, mainstreams.io, qatarstreams.me, and vipstand.cc, which are registered across five different registrars. Internet service providers named as defendants were also instructed to block these sites, while India’s telecom and IT ministries were told to issue blocking directives to all ISPs.
The ruling addresses the recurring issue of piracy of copyrighted sports content, which undermines broadcasters’ exclusive rights and revenue. Sony Pictures Networks India holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the cricket tours currently underway, making the court’s swift action critical. The decision aligns with broader efforts by Indian authorities to curb online piracy, which has been a persistent challenge for content owners in the sports and entertainment sectors.
The court’s order came amid two simultaneous England cricket tours involving both the men’s and women’s teams, underscoring the urgency to protect live sports broadcasts. The blocking directives are expected to be enforced immediately, with domain registrars and ISPs required to comply without delay, as per the Delhi High Court’s instructions.