JioHotstar Introduced After JioCinema and Disney Hotstar Merger
JioHotstar is the new streaming platform formed after the merger of Viacom18’s JioCinema and Disney’s Hotstar. With over 3 lakh hours of entertainment and sports, it aims to cater to 500 million users. However, a major change is that IPL 2025 will not be available for free streaming, unlike previous years.
No More Free IPL Streaming in 2025
For the past two years, JioCinema had been offering IPL matches for free after acquiring the broadcasting rights for USD 3 billion. However, the newly formed JioHotstar has announced that free access will be limited. Users will only be able to watch a few minutes of the match before being redirected to a subscription page.
Subscription Plans Start at Rs 149
JioHotstar will offer multiple subscription plans starting at Rs 149, allowing users to access full IPL matches and additional content. The exact pricing tiers and benefits of different plans are yet to be fully disclosed, but the company has confirmed that a paid model is now necessary to enjoy uninterrupted IPL streaming.
Advanced Features for a Premium Experience
Despite the removal of free streaming, JioHotstar promises an enhanced viewing experience with:
- Ultra-HD 4K streaming
- AI-powered insights
- Real-time stats overlays
- Multi-angle viewing options
- Customized feeds for different interests
These features aim to make IPL 2025 a more immersive and interactive experience for fans.
Why the Change?
The shift to a subscription-based model comes after the USD 8.5 billion merger between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Walt Disney’s India media assets. The move aligns with global streaming trends where premium sports content is increasingly placed behind paywalls to boost revenue.
Final Thoughts
IPL fans will now have to subscribe to JioHotstar to enjoy the full tournament. While free streaming is gone, the new platform promises an upgraded viewing experience. It remains to be seen how fans will react to this significant change in IPL broadcasting.
