Disney+ Hotstar has announced that it will be offering free streaming of two highly anticipated cricket tournaments, the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, on mobile devices. This move comes after the tremendous success of JioCinema’s free streaming of IPL 2023, prompting Disney+ Hotstar to follow suit and provide cricket fans with an exciting opportunity to watch these matches for free.
Democratizing Cricket: Making it Accessible on Mobile
With the aim of democratizing the game of cricket and reaching as many mobile users in India as possible, Disney+ Hotstar has decided to make the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup available for free on their platform. By eliminating the cost barrier, they hope to ensure that cricket enthusiasts across the country can enjoy these prestigious tournaments from the convenience of their mobile devices.
The decision to offer free streaming comes after Disney+ Hotstar witnessed a decline in subscribers due to JioCinema’s free streaming of IPL 2023. Analysts predict that this move may have a potential negative impact of 50% on Disney+ Hotstar’s overall revenue in CY23, as viewers gravitate towards the free offerings of JioCinema.
As the IPL 2023 concluded on JioCinema and the WTC Final began streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, users have started migrating back to the latter platform. The popularity of Disney+ Hotstar’s cricket streaming has attracted viewers who were initially drawn to JioCinema’s free offering. This shift demonstrates the importance of providing engaging and accessible content to retain and attract viewers.
Record-Breaking IPL Streaming on JioCinema
During the IPL 2023, JioCinema set a world record for the highest number of concurrent viewers for a live-streamed event. With over 32 million viewers tuning in to watch the IPL finale between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, JioCinema made history. This marked the first time that IPL cricket matches were streamed for free, coinciding with JioCinema securing the streaming rights.
Disney+ Hotstar’s decision to offer free streaming of the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on mobile devices opens up exciting opportunities for cricket enthusiasts. Fans can now enjoy these prestigious tournaments without any cost, enhancing their viewing experience and allowing them to immerse themselves in the excitement of cricket. This initiative by Disney+ Hotstar further strengthens their position as a leading OTT platform and showcases their commitment to delivering high-quality content to a diverse audience.
