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The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is poised for a significant shift in its broadcasting landscape, potentially marking the end of free streaming for fans. While the official schedule is yet to be released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), with reports suggesting a March 22nd start, the change in the broadcasting partnership between Viacom18 and Star India is set to drastically alter the viewing experience. This merger, resulting in the rebranding of Hotstar to JioHotstar, raises serious questions about the future availability of free IPL streaming.
Previously, JioCinema offered free streaming of IPL matches, a move that garnered immense popularity and significantly increased viewership. However, the strategic alliance between Viacom18, the owner of JioCinema, and Star India, the traditional broadcaster of the IPL, hints at a return to a subscription-based model. Reports indicate that while free streaming might be available for a limited period at the start of the season, a paid subscription will eventually become mandatory to watch the matches. The proposed subscription plans are reported to commence at INR 149, with an ad-free version priced at INR 449 for a three-month period. This significant change could potentially impact a large number of Indian viewers who have become accustomed to free access to the league.
The financial implications of this potential shift are substantial. Viacom18 secured the digital rights for IPL 2023 for a staggering INR 20,500 crore, while Star India retained the television rights for INR 23,575 crore. The investment in acquiring these rights underscores the lucrative nature of the IPL broadcasting rights and the broadcasters' need to recoup their substantial investments. The move to a predominantly subscription-based model could represent a significant shift in revenue generation, potentially leading to increased profitability for the broadcasting partners. However, it remains to be seen how the fan base will react to this change.
This decision to potentially revert to a paid streaming model for the IPL has significant implications for digital accessibility and the broader consumption of cricket in India. The accessibility of free streaming served to dramatically expand the reach of the IPL, bringing in a new segment of viewers who might not otherwise have had access to the matches. A shift to paid streaming could potentially alienate some of this newly acquired audience, particularly those in lower income brackets. The potential for a backlash from fans is considerable, as many have become accustomed to the convenience and affordability of free streaming.
It is important to note that neither Star Sports nor JioHotstar has officially commented on these reports. The uncertainty surrounding the broadcasting strategy for IPL 2025 highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of the media landscape and the constantly shifting power dynamics in the entertainment industry. The situation is further complicated by the contrasting approaches taken in the broadcasting of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where Viacom18 holds both television and digital rights but allows live streaming on both Star Sports and JioHotstar. This inconsistency underlines the complex negotiations and considerations involved in these lucrative broadcasting deals.
The next few months will be crucial in determining the final broadcasting strategy for IPL 2025. The broadcasters' decisions will have a profound impact not only on their own revenue streams but also on the accessibility and viewing experience of millions of cricket fans across India. The future of free IPL streaming hangs in the balance, and the upcoming announcement will likely spark significant discussion and debate among fans and industry experts alike. The question remains: will the vast Indian cricket audience accept a return to a subscription model, or will the broadcasters reconsider their approach in light of potential public outcry?
Source: Fans can’t watch IPL 2025 for free? JioHotstar launch new tariff plans