BCCI slaps notice on ‘illegal’ use of IPL 2025 content, forces podcasters to delete YouTube videos

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cracked down on The Grade Cricketer, a top Australian cricket podcast, forcing its hosts to delete hundreds of IPL 2025-related videos from social media platforms.

The move follows a legal notice accusing the podcast of using tournament images and logos for commercial purposes without authorisation.

Why Were the Videos Removed?

Hosts Sam Perry and Ian Higgins stated receiving a “polite legal letter” from the BCCI and IPL authorities over the weekend, demanding the removal of content across YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

The notice claimed the podcast used IPL photography and branding beyond ‘editorial’ limits, specifically for commercial gain.

To avoid account suspensions, the duo proactively deleted all IPL 2025 content, including their daily show ‘The Big IPL Breakfast’, which they are planning to rename as ‘The Big Cricket Tournament Breakfast’.

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The podcast, followed by over a million fans globally, had partnered with Indian grocery platform BigBasket, a detail the BCCI reportedly cited as evidence of commercial intent.

Podcasters Respond: “We’ll Keep Covering IPL”

Perry clarified in a YouTube update that the removal was voluntary: “This is something we’ve done ourselves, it hasn’t been done to us, we have removed these videos.” Despite this, the hosts confirmed they will continue covering the IPL with the same frequency, even as they prepare for live shows in India this week.

IPL’s Strict Media Guidelines

The BCCI’s action aligns with IPL media advisories, which restrict the use of official audio, video, or images on social media. Notably, press conference materials are permitted only on news websites or apps for editorial purposes. Uploading such content to platforms like YouTube or Instagram violates IPL’s copyright terms.

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What’s Next for the Podcast?

While the podcast adjusts its approach, Perry emphasised their commitment to IPL coverage: It’s very important to note we’re going to continue to post coverage of the tournament, at the same cadence that we do.” The hosts will also drop ‘IPL’ from their show title to avoid further disputes.