FIFA World Cup 2026 | Telecast limbo in India continues as Doordarshan backs out saying 'it's not our responsibilty'

China and India were two countries where broadcast rights were not sold. However, last week, China's state broadcaster secured the rights to air the World Cup.

The uncertainty over as to who will broadcast the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India continues as public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, who were one of the front-runners and were planning to air the tournament through Doordarshan's Sports Channel (DD Sports) have reportedly backed out of the formal bidding process.

It may be recalled that the Delhi High Court had sought the stand of the both the Central government and Prasar Bharti on a petition seeking the broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in USA, Mexico and Canada.

On Tuesday (May 20), Prasar Bharati told Delhi High Court that it is “not responsible” for acquiring FIFA World Cup rights in India.

Avdhesh Bairwa, a lawyer, sought directions to the central government to acquire the broadcasting rights for the opening match, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final in favour of Prasar Bharti as an interim measure.

With Prasar Bharti opting out of the fray, there is still no clarity as to who is going to bring home the ultimate showpeace on earth to drawing rooms in India.

The deadlock is reportedly over the offer prize. It is presumed that FIFA is ready to climb down on its offer price from $100m to $35m. However leading broadcasters in India had placed a bid around $20m, which the game's global governing body was not ready to accept, citing the fact that Qatar 2022 World Cup was sold at $35m.

It may be recalled that the Qatar 2022 World Cup set a record with over 110 million viewers consuming content digitally on JioCinema.

China and India were two countries were broadcast rights for the FIFA marquee event were in a limbo.

However, last week, China's state broadcaster -- CCTV -- secured rights to air World Cup this year as well in 2030, ending an agonising wait for fans in the football-mad country.

But the situation in India remains unresolved. Accoring to insiders, the reluctance on the part of the major broadcasters in India to bid for television rights is the match timings. Most of the prime-time fixtures kick off at 12.30 am IST or 3.30 am and a few at 6.30 am, a slot at which monetisation opportunities for channels is very minimal.

With less than 20 days to go for the kick off, fans continue with bated breath as they hope for a deal to come through.