Within a week of their announcing of free IPL matches, both Tata Sky and Airtel Digital have withdrawn this offer.
This means that DTH users from these two DTH operators can no longer watch IPL matches for free.
Is there any other alternative?
Tata Sky: Sorry, No More Free IPL Matches
In the month of May, Tata Sky had announced that cricket lovers can now watch all the IPL matches for free on their network. The promotional scheme was widely circulated via SMS, and it informed all users that between March 23rd to May 19th, their customers can watch IPL 2019 without paying anything extra.
This offer was valid for these channels: Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, Star Sports 1 Kannada, and Start Sports 1 Bangla.
May 19th is the final day of IPL 2019.
However, within a week of the launch of this offer, Tata Sky has informed that the offer has been withdrawn. The free IPL 2019 scheme was only till March 30th, and after that, users will have to pay for the channels mentioned above.
In case these channels are already added, and not part of any bundle, then the charges would be applied on a-la-carte mode, that is Rs 19 plus taxes for all channels except Tamil language, which is charged at Rs 17 plus taxes.
In a tweet, Tata Sky clarified: “This was a limited period promotional offer, which expired on 29-March-2019.”
Airtel Digital: Free IPL Offer Withdrawn
Except for Tata Sky, Airtel Digital was the only other DTH provider which had offered the free access of all IPL 2019 matches, and the dates were the same as well: Between March 23rd to May 19th.
Airtel’s offer too covered these channels: Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, Star Sports 1 Kannada, and Start Sports 1 Bangla.
But just like Tata Sky, Airtel too closed this offer on March 30th.
Hence, users who opted for the free access of IPL matches on these channels will be asked to pay for the same now. In case these channels are added, and not part of any pack, then charges of Rs 19 plus tax for these channels would be levied. (except Tamil language, whose charge is Rs 17 plus taxes).
Alternatives For Cricket Lovers
If you are a Tata Sky user, then there is some good news.
Recently, Tata Sky slashed the price of their Cricket-centric plans by 13%, and this means, that users can now opt for cheaper options.
Star Sports 1 English channel pack, whose actual price was Rs 228, has now been discounted for Rs 202; whereas Star Sports 1 Hindi channels is now available for Rs 201.
These discounted rates are applicable only when users choose 1-year validity plans.
In case you are looking for the best DTH packs for watching IPL, then here is your complete list.
And in case you wish to watch IPL 2019 on mobile, there here are the best data packs.
Where are you watching this IPL 2019? On your TV or mobile? Do let us know by commenting right here!