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Cricket fans in India are in for a major change as free streaming of IPL matches will no longer be available from the 2025 season. According to reports, a new subscription-based model will be introduced, requiring viewers to pay to watch matches online.
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No More Free IPL on JioCinema
Since 2023, IPL has been streamed for free on JioCinema, after Viacom18 secured the digital rights of the tournament for five years. However, starting next season, JioCinema will merge with Disney’s Hotstar to form a new entity called JioHotstar, which will stream IPL matches behind a paywall.
A report states that streaming content, including IPL, will shift to a hybrid model, where free viewing will be available for a limited time before users must subscribe based on their consumption patterns.
New Subscription Plans for IPL Streaming
JioHotstar is expected to launch a rebranded app with paid subscription plans. According to reports, the basic plan will cost ₹149, while an ad-free version will be available for ₹499 for three months.
Apart from IPL, JioCinema also holds the streaming rights for the Winter Olympics and the Indian Super League (ISL), while Hotstar continues to stream ICC tournaments and the English Premier League (EPL) in India.
Massive Digital Rights Deal for IPL
Viacom18 had acquired the IPL digital rights for a staggering ₹20,500 crore ahead of the 2023 season, while Star India retained the TV broadcasting rights for ₹23,575 crore. The move to a subscription-based model is seen as an effort to monetize digital streaming and recover these investments.
IPL 2024 Set to Begin in March
While BCCI has yet to officially announce the schedule for IPL 2024, reports suggest that the tournament will kick off in the third week of March. The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game on March 22 at Eden Gardens.
Apart from the traditional home venues of the 10 franchises, matches will also be played at Guwahati and Dharamsala.
With the new subscription model for IPL streaming, fans will now have to shell out money to watch their favorite teams in action from 2025 onwards.
