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Disney+ Hotstar, one of India's most widely used streaming platforms, has recently undergone a strategic transformation. Now operating under the name JioHotstar due to its merger with JioCinema, the platform remains a go-to destination for cricket enthusiasts in 2025. It offers a rich catalog that extends beyond just sports, including Bollywood movies, international films, Disney originals, Hotstar Specials, and popular TV serials. However, its standout attraction continues to be live sports—especially cricket, which attracts millions of fans every season.
In 2025, the free ride for live IPL streaming on Disney+ Hotstar will officially cease. It is now relaunched as JioHotstar and runs mostly through subscriptions. Here are your alternatives for watching live cricket:
Paid Subscription: The most reliable way to watch every ball of IPL or ICC tournaments is by purchasing a JioHotstar subscription plan.
Jio Offers: Free cricket streaming is still available to Jio telecom consumers but only with certain prepaid or postpaid recharge plans that include Hotstar access.
Promotional Access: Some time unique offers is provided, as Jio occasionally provides free streaming during important events like the IPL match, and this streaming may be in limited time period.
For cricket fans unwilling to miss even a single over, a paid plan is the safest route in 2025.
JioHotstar (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) is primarily available in India. If you're located outside India, you won't be able to access the full version of Hotstar without some extra steps.
Due to regional licensing, Disney+ Hotstar has discontinued services in countries like the US, UK, and Canada, making it geo-restricted. However, cricket fans worldwide can still watch JioHotstar using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
To do this:
Subscribe to a trusted VPN like PureVPN.
Connect to an Indian server.
Access the Hotstar website or app.
Enjoy live cricket as if you're watching from within India.
This is a brief comparison of JioHotstar with other well-known platforms:
JioHotstar: provides a variety of sports, including the IPL and ICC events. Affordable in India and part of many Jio plans.
Willow TV: Great for US viewers; it offers exclusive rights to several international matches.
FanCode: Flexible with pay-per-match options; useful for niche tournaments.
Kayo Sports: kayo sports Covers both domestic and international cricket and it making cricket broadcasting perfect for Australian audiences.
Verdict: If you're in India or can use a VPN, JioHotstar is unbeatable for the variety, quality, and value it offers in live cricket streaming.
Whether you're on the move or at home, JioHotstar ensures cricket is always within reach:
Mobile Devices: Through mobile device user can Get JioHotstar from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app is free, but streaming live matches requires a subscription or eligible Jio plan.
Smart TVs: Compatible with Android TVs, LG TVs (2018+), and Samsung TVs (2017+). Additionally, you can use streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.
Laptops: Use your browser and type hotstar in search bar. You may also use an emulator for Android. The emulator is Bluestacks to run the mobile app on your computer.
Tip: Make sure your internet connection is reliable. Try upgrading the app, cleaning your cache, or changing browsers if you experience latency or black screens.
The most popular streaming service in India, particularly among cricket lovers, is still Hotstar, now called as JioHotstar. With rich content, flexible access, and mobile-friendly usability, it continues to lead in 2025. So whether you're in India or overseas, there's always a way to catch the action-just make sure you're set up with the right plan or VPN!
