Disney+ Hotstar, on Friday, announced that smartphone users in India can watch this year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for free on the OTT platform. The free streaming is also applicable for tablets.
This comes after this year’s IPL which set record viewership numbers for both television and digital platforms. The media rights for the games were split for the first time with Disney Star getting the TV rights and Mukesh Ambani’s JioCinema nabbing the digital rights. Interestingly, JioCinema streamed the games for free on their platform.
Disney+ Hotstar’s decision to make cricket free-to-view will reportedly benefit the 540 million smartphone users across the country. Interestingly, Disney Star has secured the broadcasting rights for all ICC tournaments till 2027.
India will host this year’s Asia Cup in September while also hosting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup which will take place from October 5 to November 19. Asia Cup will feature 13 matches while the World Cup will have 48 matches.