Jio Extends Free Telecast of IPL 2025 on JioHotstar Till April 15
MUMBAI, India — Reliance Jio, India’s leading telecommunications provider, has announced extension of its free streaming for IPL on JioHotstar up to April 15, 2025.

The decision will allow cricket enthusiasts to enjoy the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 matches in 4K at no additional cost. By extending these offerings, we are responding to massive demand, allowing even more users to access the tournament on mobile and TV platforms.
Why the Extension Matters
Jio’s offer, which was originally announced on March 22, was slated to expire March 31. Viewers rushed to JioHotstar, the new offering from the merger of the newly born platform from the jolt of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, The IPL, scheduled from March 22 through May 25, is a huge event in India, garnering more than 600 million viewers between TV and digital platforms. After JioCinema offered free access to IPL 2023 and 2024, free streaming ended early this year. Jio’s new prepaid plans now combine JioHotstar subscriptions, and cricket is once again available.
The additional offer is available on Jio prepaid plans of Rs. 299 or above. Users get 90 days of JioHotstar for free, with the ability to stream IPL matches in ultra-HD 4K on smartphones and TVs. Similarly, new Jio prepaid subscribers buying a Rs. 299 offer or higher are eligible. Existing users can explore add-on goodies such as Rs. 100 pack that gives 5GB data with 90-day JioHotstar access, Rs. 195 Cricket Data pack that gives 15GB data. Offer 8: Rs. 949 plan with 2GB daily 4G, unlimited 5G, 84 days of JioHotstar
A Strategic Move for Fans as well as Jio
The hybrid model of JioHotstar was a matter of concern at first. Viewers could access only little or no elements for free, after which they were encumbered by a paywall, as subscriptions started at Rs. 149. The $8.5 billion merging of Reliance, and Disney’s India media properties, moved IPL streaming to a paid model. Such an extension by Jio pushed back against that and helped raise viewership and data usage. “This offer enables every cricket fan to watch IPL 2025 without any barriers,” a Jio spokesperson said. “We’re excited to extend it because of the response.”
It also provides a free trial of JioFiber and JioAirFiber for 50 days. These consist of 800-plus TV channels, 11 OTT apps, and unlimited WiFi option to spice up home entertainment. With some basic plans, it seeks to engage over 1 billion viewers through partnerships with Airtel and Vodafone Idea that will bundle JioHotstar with their data plans. JioHotstar has 50 million paid subscribers and half a billion total users, and it is widely considered to be India’s dominant, deep-pocketed streaming platform that will earn Rs. 4,500 crore worth of digital ads during this IPL season.
Background and Context
The IPL dwarfs all other sporting events in India, with 620 million people watching in 2024 on JioCinema. In 2023, Jio won the IPL streaming rights for five years for $3 billion. Thereafter, the JioHotstar merger was announced, thereby resulting in the formation of JioStar with 3 lakh hours of content such as Disney, HBO, and Paramount shows. This year the free streaming in the past ended as JioStar switched to a hybrid model. Subscribers enjoy unlimited minutes, but free users are redirected to paid plans. The strategy balances access with revenue.
Jio’s offer is part of an expanding subscription video-on-demand market in India expected to reach 125 million subscriptions by 2024. Jio, the telecom giant with 476.58 million subscribers in India, spearheads data consumption with live streaming of sports. The extension comes as Jio seeks to dominate the digital and broadband markets and keep the fans engaged.
What’s Next for IPL Fans
Jio’s latest extension ends on April 15, has fans recharge with eligible plans. Remember, users need to recharge within 48 hours of plan expiry to allow continued JioHotstar access for full 90 days. Successful boards will lead to more extensions or new plans since the IPL carries massive viewership. AI-powered features in JioHotstar such as real-time stats and multi-angle viewing not only improve the experience, but also set a new benchmark for sports streaming.
This would put pressure on rival players like Airtel and Vodafone Idea to come out with similar offers. If successful, Jio’s approach in IPL 2025 could redefine the Indian live sports consumption model by marrying free access to premium offerings. Cricket fans should not miss this offer and enjoy uninterrupted action of cricket.
References:
- Business Standard
- The Economic Times
- Goodreturns
- India Today
- Livemint