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Hotstar Makes Annual Subscription Plans Mandatory To Watch IPL Matches

The 13th edition of Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament is starting from Sept. 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

A passenger watches cricket on a smartphone while travelling by train in Mumbai, India. (Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg)
A passenger watches cricket on a smartphone while travelling by train in Mumbai, India. (Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg)

Only those with Disney+ Hotstar annual subscription plans will be able to watch live IPL matches, the streaming service said on Saturday. The 13th edition of Indian Premier League T20 cricket tournament is starting from Sept. 19 in the United Arab Emirates.

The new and existing subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar VIP—Rs 399 for 12 months—and Disney+ Hotstar Premium—Rs 1,499 for 12 months—will be able to watch the IPL matches live, according to a statement.

To be sure, Disney+ Hotstar has partnered with Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and Bharti Airtel Ltd. to make it easier for people to subscribe to its annual plans. Both Reliance Jio and Airtel will offer prepaid recharge plans bundled with a 12-month subscription to Disney+ Hotstar VIP.

"Over the past few years, IPL has become the most loved sporting tournament in the country. After several months of the lockdown, we believe that this tournament can be a catalyst in ushering in new optimism and smiles in India, with millions cheering from all parts of the country,” Disney+ Hotstar said in the statement.

"Our use of technology in presenting this immersive experience will set not only a global benchmark but also redefine the way we watch and enjoy sports in the coming years," Uday Shankar, president at The Walt Disney Co. APAC and chairman of Star & Disney India, said in the statement.