JYNEWS, JioHotstar Plans, IPL 2025 Free : The era of free IPL streaming is officially over. In a seismic shift for Indian cricket fans, JioHotstar—the newly merged platform of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar—has scrapped free access to IPL 2025, introducing mandatory subscription plans starting at ₹149. Here’s everything you need to know about the platform’s controversial pivot and how it impacts your cricket-watching experience.
JioHotstar debuted on February 14, 2025, following the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Walt Disney’s Star India. The platform consolidates content from JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, becoming the sole destination for marquee sports like the IPL, Women’s Premier League (WPL), ICC events, and Premier League football. Existing subscribers of both platforms were automatically migrated to JioHotstar, with their plans transitioned seamlessly.
The merger marks the end of JioCinema’s two-year free IPL streaming spree, which began in 2023 after Viacom18 secured IPL’s digital rights for $3 billion. JioHotstar now adopts a “hybrid model,” offering limited free previews before redirecting users to subscription tiers.
Gone are the days of unlimited free cricket. JioHotstar’s IPL 2025 plans are structured to monetize its 50 crore-strong user base:
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ₹149/3 months | 1 device, ads, mobile-only access. | |
| ₹299/3 months | 2 devices, ads, includes web and TV streaming. | |
| ₹499/3 months | 4 devices, ad-free (except live sports). |
:
Free users can watch only the first 10 minutes of IPL matches before being prompted to subscribe.
The Premium plan’s “ad-free” tag excludes live sports, which will still include ads.
Annual plans offer minor discounts (e.g., ₹499/monthly vs. ₹1,499/year for Premium).
The move follows Reliance’s strategy to monetize its massive IPL audience after leveraging free access to dismantle Disney+ Hotstar’s dominance. In 2023, JioCinema’s free streaming drew 44 crore viewers, crashing Hotstar’s subscriber base from 6.1 crore to 3.8 crore. With Disney now a junior partner in the JioStar venture, Reliance aims to convert this user base into paying customers.
As one insider told Reuters: “Once users develop loyalty, subscriptions kick in.”
The shift has sparked outrage on social media, with hashtags like #BoycottJioHotstar trending. Many fans, especially students and budget-conscious viewers, lament the loss of free access. However, industry experts argue this aligns India with global norms where premium sports content is rarely free.
:
“Ambani giveth, Ambani taketh away.” – u/Fickle_Possible_458
“Back to pirated streams, I guess.” – u/prioritysexual
JioHotstar’s strategy mirrors Netflix and Amazon Prime Video’s playbook: hook users with free trials, then monetize loyalty. The platform also plans to expand its sports portfolio, including Pro Kabaddi, ISL, and Wimbledon.
For IPL 2025, JioHotstar will stream all 74 matches live, starting with KKR vs RCB on March 22. The question is: Will fans pay up, or will piracy resurge?
JioHotstar’s bold bet marks the end of an era. While the platform promises premium features, the loss of free access is a bitter pill for millions. As India’s digital landscape evolves, one thing is clear—nothing in life (or cricket) is truly free anymore.
: Can I watch IPL 2025 for free on JioHotstar?
A: No. Only the first 10 minutes of matches are free. Full access requires a paid plan.
: What happens to my existing Disney+ Hotstar/JioCinema subscription?
A: It will auto-convert to a JioHotstar plan. For example, a Disney+ Hotstar Premium subscription becomes JioHotstar Premium.
: Are there alternatives to watch IPL for free?
A: Legally, no. Star Sports holds TV rights, but digital streaming is now paywalled.
: How does this compare to earlier years?
A: From 2018–2022, Disney+ Hotstar offered mobile-only free streaming. JioCinema made IPL fully free in 2023–2024 to disrupt the market.
: Will JioHotstar improve streaming quality?
A: Yes! The platform promises 4K Ultra HD, multi-camera angles, and AI-powered stats.