By Zainab Shafiq 
Reliance Jio is set to redefine the streaming experience for Indian Premier League (IPL) fans by incorporating complimentary access to matches within select recharge plans. The telecom giant has announced that users who opt for prepaid plans worth ₹299 ($3.44) or higher will enjoy seamless free IPL 2025 streaming on the newly consolidated JioHotstar platform—a result of Reliance and Disney’s recent media merger.
The IPL, one of India’s biggest entertainment spectacles, is scheduled to take place from March 22 to May 25. Cricket fans who recharge with eligible plans can continue to enjoy live-action without additional costs. However, this move follows a strategic shift in Reliance-Disney’s streaming model. Previously, IPL matches were available completely free on JioCinema, but the newly merged entity is now transitioning to a hybrid approach, where unrestricted access will require a paid subscription after a certain threshold of content consumption.
Beyond just mobile streaming, Jio is also pushing for dominance in the broadband sector. As part of the new offer, the company is rolling out a 50-day trial of its home internet services, ensuring that subscribers experience high-speed sports streaming without interruptions.
Mukesh Ambani’s calculated approach to sports broadcasting is under close industry scrutiny. Reliance’s media empire, now India’s largest, has invested nearly $10 billion in acquiring sports broadcasting rights, making it a dominant force in the entertainment landscape. The newly formed Reliance-Disney joint venture operates over 100 TV channels and multiple streaming platforms, vying for a larger share of India’s $28-billion media market.
With IPL being a massive revenue generator and a primary driver of digital content consumption in India, Reliance’s new streaming policy signals a major shift in its long-term strategy—balancing user acquisition with monetization. The latest move is set to reshape how millions of Indians engage with the game, while also giving Reliance Jio a stronger foothold in the fast-evolving digital entertainment space.
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