JioHotstar Ends Free IPL Access: Fans Must Subscribe To Watch Live Matches

JioHotstar ends free IPL streaming, introducing subscription plans starting at ₹149 for IPL 2025.

The landscape of cricket streaming in India is set for a major overhaul as JioHotstar, the newly launched streaming platform from the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, has announced the end of free IPL streaming. Cricket fans will now need a minimum subscription plan of ₹149 to watch matches on the platform, marking a shift in how one of the world's biggest sporting events is consumed digitally.

No More Free IPL Streaming on JioHotstar

For the past two years, JioCinema had offered free streaming of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after securing the tournament's digital rights in 2023 for a staggering $3 billion. However, with the recent merger between Viacom18 and Star India, forming the joint venture JioStar, a new hybrid subscription model has been introduced. According to reports, only a few minutes of IPL matches will be available for free before users are prompted to subscribe.

Subscription Plans for IPL 2025 on JioHotstar

The new subscription model will be based on user consumption, meaning fans will have to pay to watch full matches. As per sources, the plans are as follows:

Basic Plan: ₹149 ($1.72) for access to live IPL matches with advertisements.
Ad-Free Plan: ₹499 ($5.75) for a three-month ad-free experience.
Premium Plan: Pricing yet to be announced, but expected to include additional sports content, multi-angle views, and AI-powered match insights.

This move aligns with JioStar's strategy to drive monetization after developing a vast user base with free content in previous seasons.

Impact on Cricket Fans and Digital Streaming Trends

The decision to introduce subscriptions has sparked discussions among cricket fans, many of whom had grown accustomed to free IPL streaming. With over 50 crore users on JioStar, the change will redefine digital sports viewership in India.

JioHotstar aims to enhance the streaming experience with ultra-HD 4K quality, real-time stats overlays, and interactive features. The platform will continue to be the home for major sporting events, including ICC tournaments, the Premier League, and Wimbledon, ensuring comprehensive sports coverage beyond cricket.

Why the Subscription Shift?

The shift to a paid model follows the $8.5 billion merger between Mukesh Ambani's Reliance and Walt Disney’s Indian media assets. Industry experts believe this was a strategic move to capitalize on IPL’s massive digital audience and generate revenue through subscriptions rather than ad-supported free streaming.

"Once a user develops an affinity for the platform, starts watching for free, and becomes loyal... the subscription will kick in," a source revealed to Reuters. This data-driven approach ensures that user engagement is first built before monetization begins.

Competition in the OTT Sports Streaming Market

JioStar’s shift to a paid model places it in direct competition with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and SonyLIV, all of which have been expanding their sports offerings. While JioCinema initially disrupted the market by offering free IPL streaming, the new strategy aligns with global trends where premium sports content comes at a price.

This change could also impact television viewership, with Star Sports likely benefiting as some users may opt for traditional broadcast over digital subscriptions.

What This Means for IPL 2025 Viewers

For millions of IPL fans, the biggest takeaway is clear—free access to matches is a thing of the past. To continue enjoying uninterrupted live cricket, users will need to subscribe to JioHotstar’s plans.

While some fans may be frustrated with this change, the move signifies a broader shift in the Indian digital streaming ecosystem, where top-tier sports content is increasingly becoming part of paid offerings.

Will JioHotstar's new strategy pay off? Only time will tell as IPL 2025 kicks off under a new digital era of subscription-based viewing.