No free streaming of IPL 2025 in JioHotstar after JioCinema and Dinsey Hotstar merger

Cricket fans will now need a minimum subscription of ₹149 to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) on JioHotstar, the newly launched streaming platform formed by the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar under the JioStar venture. With this change, free streaming of IPL matches will no longer be available.

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JioStar introduced JioHotstar on Friday in collaboration with Viacom18 and Star India, offering nearly 3 lakh hours of entertainment, live sports, and a vast user base of over 50 crore. While the platform promises an enhanced viewing experience, its new hybrid subscription model will limit free access for cricket enthusiasts across India.

JioHotstar Introduces Paid Subscription for IPL Streaming, Ending Free Access

According to a Reuters report, JioHotstar will allow fans to watch only a few minutes of an IPL match without a subscription. Once the free minutes expire, the platform will redirect them to a subscription page, where plans start at 149 rupees.

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JioCinema has streamed IPL matches for free since securing the tournament rights for five years in 2023 for $3 billion. However, starting in 2025, fans will need to purchase a subscription to watch full matches based on their preferences.

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance and Walt Disney changed the IPL streaming policy after merging their Indian media assets in an $8.5 billion deal last year.

A source told Reuters that the platform will introduce subscriptions once users develop an affinity, start watching for free, and become loyal, adding that each user’s subscription could begin at a different time.

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