There will be no completely free streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on JioHotstar, the newly launched platform formed through the merger of Viacom18 and Star India under the JioStar brand. JioHotstar debuted on Friday following the integration of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. While JioStar, boasting nearly 3 lakh hours of entertainment, extensive live sports coverage, and over 50 crore users, promises an enhanced viewing experience, its new hybrid subscription model is expected to limit free access for cricket fans across India.
Fans will no longer be able to stream full IPL matches for free on JioHotstar, according to a Reuters report. They will only have access to a few minutes of a match without a subscription. Once the free minutes expire, viewers will be redirected to a subscription page, with plans starting at ₹149.
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JioCinema had been offering free IPL streaming since acquiring the tournament’s digital rights in 2023 for $3 billion. However, from 2025 onwards, fans will need to subscribe based on their preferences to watch complete matches.
The decision to introduce a paywall for IPL streaming follows the $8.5 billion merger of Mukesh Ambani‘s Reliance and Walt Disney’s Indian media assets last year.
“Once a user develops an affinity for the platform, starts watching for free, and becomes loyal… the subscription will kick in then,” a source told Reuters, adding that the timing of subscription activation may vary for each user.
JioHotstar’s subscription plans have been revealed, with a basic plan starting at ₹149 ($1.72) and an ad-free version available for ₹499 ($5.75) for three months, according to sources. The streaming service, part of the Reliance-Disney joint venture, will be accessible through a newly rebranded app.
JioHotstar serves as the home for premier cricket tournaments, including ICC events, IPL, and WPL. It also covers grassroots cricket with the Indian Street Premier League and pathway events from BCCI, ICC, and state associations. Beyond cricket, the platform streams top global sporting events like the Premier League and Wimbledon while supporting domestic leagues such as Pro Kabaddi and ISL.
“What sets JioHotstar apart is its elevated streaming experience — featuring ultra-HD 4K streaming, AI-powered insights, real-time stats overlays, multi-angle viewing, and a range of ‘culture’ and ‘special interest’ feeds — ensuring fans enjoy deeper, more immersive access to the sports they love,” the company said in an official release.
The Reliance-Disney joint venture operates over 100 TV channels and streaming platforms in India’s $28-billion media and entertainment market, competing with global players like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
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