Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, hosts of The Grade Cricketer, adapt their IPL 2025 coverage after receiving a legal notice from the BCCI

The popular Australian podcast The Grade Cricketer has pulled all of its IPL 2025 content from digital platforms after receiving a legal notice from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Hosts Sam Perry and Ian Higgins explained to listeners that they had made the decision proactively after receiving what they described as a “courteous legal letter” from the BCCI. "We weren't forcibly taken down," Perry clarified on their podcast. "We chose to remove the content ourselves after receiving the letter."

At the heart of the issue was the use of still images from IPL matches, which the BCCI asserted were being used in a commercial context rather than for strictly editorial purposes. The duo’s content often featured sponsorships — including a major partnership with Indian grocery delivery service BigBasket — alongside the IPL imagery, which reportedly raised concerns.

The BCCI has historically maintained strict control over IPL media rights, treating the unauthorized use of match footage, highlights, or photographs as a serious infringement.

In previous seasons, the board has not hesitated to issue takedown notices or initiate legal action against those who post IPL-related content without permission on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).

Despite this roadblock, Perry and Higgins reassured fans that their IPL coverage would continue, albeit with some changes. They emphasized that while their content style had remained consistent over the past five years, they now had a deeper appreciation of the fine line between commentary and rights infringement. "We’ll still be delivering our usual rhythm of shows," Perry said. "If anything, it might even ramp up, because we’re going to India for a live tour."

To avoid future issues, the duo announced that their daily IPL show, previously called The Big IPL Breakfast, would be rebranded to something more neutral — possibly The Big Cricket Tournament Breakfast — steering clear of direct references to the IPL name or brand.

The situation highlights the BCCI’s increasingly firm stance on controlling its intellectual property, particularly with the rise of fan-driven digital media. Notably, this season, the board appears to be even more vigilant about unauthorized use of still photos, not just video content.

While the takedown might feel like a setback, The Grade Cricketer remains focused on its growing audience in India — a relationship that first took off after their viral reaction to Rishabh Pant’s heroics at the Gabba in 2021. For Perry and Higgins, the show must go on — just with a few careful adjustments.q