Cricket Streaming in 2025: The Jio-Hotstar Merger and Top Platforms for Fans Worldwide. Cricket continues to reign as one of the most-watched sports globally, captivating millions with its thrilling matches and passionate fan base. In 2025, the sport’s accessibility has reached new heights, thanks to the rapid evolution of streaming platforms.
From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to ICC tournaments and bilateral series, fans have an array of options to catch every moment live. A seismic shift in the streaming landscape this year is the much-talked-about merger between Reliance’s JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar in India, often dubbed “JioHotstar” by fans and industry insiders.
This article explores the best platforms for streaming cricket in 2025, with a deep dive into what the Jio-Hotstar merger means for Indian viewers and global cricket enthusiasts.
The Jio-Hotstar Merger: A Game-Changer for Indian Cricket Fans
In 2024, Reliance Industries’ Viacom18, which operates JioCinema, and Disney Star India, the parent company of Disney+ Hotstar, finalized a landmark merger agreement. This deal, valued at billions, aims to create a unified streaming ecosystem that consolidates sports, entertainment, and movies under one roof. While an official platform branded as “JioHotstar” has not yet been launched, the combined content offerings are already reshaping how Indian audiences consume cricket and other media.
What to Expect from the Merger?
The merger promises to deliver a seamless viewing experience by combining the strengths of both platforms. JioCinema has been a game-changer by offering free IPL streaming to Jio users, while Disney+ Hotstar has long been the go-to platform for ICC tournaments and India’s international matches. Here’s what fans can anticipate in 2025:
- Unified Content Library: A single subscription or bundled service could provide access to IPL matches, ICC events (like the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy), Disney+ originals, Star TV shows, and a vast movie catalog.
- Affordable Access for Jio Users: Jio’s strategy of offering free or discounted content may continue, making premium cricket streaming accessible to millions of users across India.
- Potential Rebrand or New App: Industry speculation suggests that by the end of 2025, the merged platform could launch under a new name or app, streamlining the user experience with enhanced features like 4K streaming, multi-language commentary, and interactive stats.
- Global Reach for Indian Content: The merger could also expand access to Indian cricket content for international viewers, particularly in markets with large Indian diasporas.
This collaboration is poised to dominate the Indian streaming market, offering unmatched convenience and value for cricket fans. However, until the official launch, both JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar continue to operate independently, each with its own strengths.
Top Cricket Streaming Platforms in 2025
With the sport’s global popularity, streaming platforms worldwide have stepped up to cater to cricket fans. Below is a comprehensive guide to the best services for watching cricket in 2025, tailored to different regions and preferences.
1. Disney+ Hotstar / JioCinema (India)
The powerhouse duo of Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema remains the cornerstone of cricket streaming in India. JioCinema’s free IPL streaming (for Jio subscribers) has democratized access to one of the world’s biggest T20 leagues, while Disney+ Hotstar continues to hold rights for ICC tournaments, India’s home series, and select international matches. The merger is expected to combine these offerings, creating a one-stop shop for cricket fans.
- Best For: IPL, ICC events (T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup, Champions Trophy), and India’s bilateral series.
- Subscription: JioCinema is free with a Jio plan; Disney+ Hotstar offers free access to select content and premium plans starting at affordable rates.
- Features: Multi-language commentary, HD/4K streaming, and mobile-friendly apps.
2. Willow TV (USA and Canada)
Willow TV remains the gold standard for cricket fans in North America. The platform broadcasts major events, including the IPL, ICC tournaments, and series featuring top teams like India, Australia, and England. Its dedicated focus on cricket makes it a favorite among hardcore fans.
- Best For: Comprehensive coverage of international and league cricket.
- Subscription: Monthly or yearly plans, with options for cable integration.
- Features: Live and on-demand streaming, with apps for smart TVs and mobile devices.
3. Sky Sports and NOW TV (UK)
Sky Sports is the premier destination for cricket in the UK, covering England’s home matches, ICC events, and popular leagues like the IPL. For fans seeking flexibility, NOW TV offers short-term passes without a long-term commitment, perfect for catching specific tournaments or series.
- Best For: England cricket, ICC tournaments, and global leagues.
- Subscription: Sky Sports requires a cable package, while NOW TV offers daily, weekly, or monthly passes.
- Features: High-quality broadcasts, expert commentary, and multi-device streaming.
4. Kayo Sports (Australia)
Kayo Sports is Australia’s leading sports streaming platform, offering extensive cricket coverage, including the Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s international matches, and select global tournaments. Its partnership with Fox Cricket ensures fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
- Best For: Australian domestic and international cricket.
- Subscription: Affordable monthly plans with no lock-in contract.
- Features: Split-screen viewing, interactive highlights, and mobile apps.
5. SuperSport / DStv (Africa)
SuperSport, available through DStv, is the go-to platform for cricket fans across Sub-Saharan Africa. It covers international series, ICC tournaments, and popular leagues like the IPL and South Africa’s SA20.
- Best For: African viewers seeking global and regional cricket.
- Subscription: Tied to DStv packages, with streaming available via the DStv app.
- Features: Multi-language options and reliable streaming quality.
6. FanCode (India – Niche & Domestic Cricket)
FanCode fills a unique niche by focusing on domestic cricket, women’s matches, and games involving associate nations. It’s an excellent option for fans looking beyond mainstream tournaments like the IPL or ICC events.
- Best For: Ranji Trophy, women’s cricket, and lesser-known international matches.
- Subscription: Pay-per-match or affordable monthly plans.
- Features: Live scores, highlights, and budget-friendly pricing.
7. ESPN+ (USA)
While not exclusively a cricket platform, ESPN+ offers select international matches and ICC content, often as part of the Disney streaming bundle. It’s a great choice for casual fans who also enjoy other sports.
- Best For: Casual cricket viewers in the US.
- Subscription: Standalone or bundled with Disney+ and Hulu.
- Features: Affordable pricing and multi-sport content.
Tips for a Seamless Cricket Streaming Experience
To ensure you get the most out of your cricket streaming in 2025, consider these practical tips:
- Use a VPN for International Access: If you’re traveling abroad, a reliable VPN can help you access your home-region streaming platforms by bypassing geo-restrictions.
- Check Your Internet Speed: For HD streaming, ensure a minimum speed of 5 Mbps; for 4K, aim for 25 Mbps or higher to avoid buffering.
- Leverage Smart Devices: Devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, or Apple TV can enhance your viewing experience on larger screens.
- Stay Updated on Jio-Hotstar: Keep an eye on official announcements from JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar for updates on the merger, including new apps or subscription plans.
- Explore Free Trials: Many platforms offer free trials or promotional access, especially during major tournaments like the IPL or T20 World Cup.
The Future of Cricket Streaming
The cricket streaming landscape in 2025 is more dynamic than ever, driven by technological advancements and strategic partnerships like the Jio-Hotstar merger. For Indian fans, this collaboration promises to deliver unparalleled access to cricket and entertainment content, potentially at lower costs. Globally, platforms like Willow TV, Sky Sports, and Kayo Sports ensure that fans in every corner of the world can stay connected to the sport they love.
As the Jio-Hotstar platform evolves, it could set a new standard for sports streaming, blending affordability, quality, and variety. Whether you’re cheering for your IPL team, following a Test match, or watching the World Cup, 2025 offers a richer, more accessible streaming experience. Stay tuned for the official launch of the merged platform later this year, and get ready to immerse yourself in the future of cricket streaming.
