If you’re an avid cricket fan or just someone who loves staying entertained, chances are you’ve already come across HotStar. Launched in February 2015, HotStar (now Disney+ HotStar after its merger with Disney in 2019) is one of India’s leading streaming platforms and a household name in digital entertainment. While it offers a variety of movies, TV shows, and live news streams, its unparalleled focus on sports—especially cricket—is what makes it a go-to choice for fans across the country.
HotStar has solidified its position as a premier destination for cricket fans, securing broadcast rights to some of the most sought-after competitions in the cricketing world. They current own the rights to:
ICC Events
HotStar owns the digital broadcast rights for ICC (International Cricket Council) tournaments, which include:
These rights cover both men’s and women’s international tournaments, making HotStar a one-stop destination for ICC event coverage. The current ICC rights deal will run until 2027, ensuring that fans can continue to rely on HotStar for global cricketing events in the near future.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
Until 2022, HotStar held the digital rights for all IPL matches, delivering millions of viewers a thrilling cricket experience.
However, as of 2023, IPL streaming rights were split, with Viacom18 acquiring digital rights. Disney Star retained the television broadcasting rights. HotStar's direct involvement in IPL streaming has since reduced.
Asia Cup
The Asia Cup brings together the top teams from the continent for a battle of supremacy. HotStar has hosted Asia Cup events in the past, but future coverage will depend on renewal processes and competitive bid outcomes.
While HotStar has historically enjoyed dominance in cricket broadcasting, new competitors like Viacom18 and Sony Sports are reshaping the landscape. The IPL digital streaming shift is an example of how competition is intensifying. For cricket fans, this means access to more diverse platforms but potentially splitting subscriptions for their favourite tournaments. At Live-CricketOnTV, we always provide the latest information on where to watch upcoming cricket fixtures. Check in regularly to make sure you never miss a match!