The Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and Indian cricket fans have already been dealt a major blow. It turns out that live streaming apps Disney Hotstar and Jio Cinema have joined forces, launching a new application called Jiostar. As a result, Champions Trophy matches will no longer be available for free on Jio Cinema in India. If you want to catch the live matches on your Android device, you’ll have to opt for a subscription.
Subscription plans start at 149 rupees
To access content on Jiostar, you’ll need to purchase a subscription plan. The most affordable option is the 149-rupee plan, which is valid for three months. Alternatively, you can shell out 499 rupees for a year-long subscription, which allows one user to log in on a single device. Now, let’s talk about the premium plan – it’s the priciest option, with a yearly subscription costing 1499 rupees. With the premium subscription, you can log in on up to four devices simultaneously, and you’ll get to enjoy ad-free content. Since the Champions Trophy matches will be live-streamed exclusively on Jiostar, you’ll need to purchase at least the 149-rupee subscription plan to catch the action live.
Jio starts charging after two years
Jio Cinema had acquired the rights to live stream IPL matches for a whopping 3 billion US dollars (approximately 23,758 crore rupees) back in 2023. For two years, fans were able to watch IPL matches for free on Jio Cinema, but now that the company has partnered with Disney, it’s started charging for live streaming. It’s worth noting that this five-year deal, which runs until 2028, has changed the game for cricket fans in India. So, if you’re eager to watch the Champions Trophy matches, be prepared to shell out some cash for a subscription.
