Cricket fans in India are facing a significant change in their viewing experience for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Reliance Industries and Walt Disney Co. have revealed that, beginning with the 2025 IPL season, free streaming of IPL matches on JioCinema will come to an end. From now on, IPL matches will be accessible on Disney+ Hotstar through a new subscription-based model.
This change comes right after $8.5 billion merger between Reliance and Disney’s Indian media assets, creating the largest entertainment conglomerate in the country. As part of this transition, Reliance Jio has introduced new mobile and streaming plans to ensure smooth access to IPL matches.
Let’s explore the specifics of these changes, their implications for IPL fans, and the new Jio plans that come with streaming benefits.
The End of Free IPL Streaming
In past IPL seasons, JioCinema offered free streaming, enabling millions of cricket enthusiasts to enjoy matches without needing a subscription. However, following the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, the new management has opted to implement a paid model.
This decision was shaped by several important factors:
- Revenue Generation: The free streaming option drew in users, but it didn’t create direct revenue. Transitioning to a subscription-based model enables the platform to earn money through both subscriptions and advertisements.
- Hotstar’s Streaming Capabilities: Disney+ Hotstar has demonstrated its ability to manage large-scale live events effectively, achieving 59 million concurrent viewers during the final of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Improved User Experience: A subscription-based model is expected to offer a more ideal and high-quality streaming experience with reduced advertisements.
New Jio Plans with IPL Streaming Access
To assist users in adapting to the new subscription model, Reliance Jio has launched new plans that combine mobile data with access to JioHotstar, the newly rebranded streaming platform.
- Basic Subscription Plan
Price: ₹149 for three months
Features: Access to IPL matches with advertisements
2. Ad-Free Subscription Plan
Price: ₹499 for three months
Features: Full IPL access without ads, offering an uninterrupted experience
3. Jio Mobile Plans with Hotstar Subscription
For Jio users, mobile recharge plans now come with integrated streaming benefits:
₹198 Plan
2GB of 5G data per day for 14 days
Unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day
Free access to select Hotstar content
₹448 Plan
2GB of 5G data per day for 28 days
Unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day
Subscription to 12 OTT platforms, including Hotstar
₹1,199 Plan
3GB of 5G data per day for 84 days
Unlimited calls and 100 SMS per day
Access to multiple OTT platforms, making it ideal for heavy streamers
What This Means for Viewers
Pros of the New Model
- Improved Streaming Quality: As users are subscribing to the service, they can anticipate reduced lags and enhanced video quality.
- A subscription model typically includes exclusive interviews, match analysis, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Jio’s new recharge plans come with bundled benefits, offering both mobile data and entertainment for extra value.
Challenges for Viewers
- Fans who previously enjoyed watching the IPL for free on JioCinema will now need to subscribe.
- Using the internet to stream IPL matches necessitates a reliable connection, which may result in extra data charges for certain users.
Conclusion
The decision to stop free IPL streaming on JioCinema represents a significant shift in India’s digital entertainment scene. Although this change may upset fans who enjoyed free access, the new subscription model aims to offer a more enhanced and engaging viewing experience.
For Jio users, the launch of mobile packages and streaming plans offers a convenient way to keep enjoying IPL. With a range of options from budget-friendly basic plans to premium ad-free subscriptions, viewers now have greater flexibility to choose according to their preferences and financial considerations.
With the 2025 IPL season on the horizon, fans are encouraged to check out the new plans and select the one that aligns with their viewing preferences. Although free streaming might no longer be available, the thrill of the IPL will still be alive on Disney+ Hotstar.