Disney+ Hotstar has announced that the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 will be free to download to Indian smartphone users.
This decision follows the successful implementation of a similar strategy during the ODI World Cup and Asia Cup. The tournament is set to commence on June 2, 2024, in the USA and the Caribbean, featuring 20 teams and matches across multiple venues.
The T20 World Cup will start just after the Indian Premier League, keeping cricket enthusiasts engaged with the sport. The Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, is among the favorites, with a significant match against Pakistan scheduled for June 9.
Source: Hotstar
Other notable matches include Australia vs England and West Indies vs New Zealand during the group stages. Disney+ Hotstar’s move aims to make cricket more accessible and unite people through the sport.
The platform reached record viewership numbers during last year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup by offering free streaming on mobile devices. They are also introducing new features like MaxView for an enhanced viewing experience.
1.4 Billion+ dreams, 15 men who’ll fulfil them :heart_hands:
ICC Men’s T-20 Cricket World Cup will stream for free on #DisneyPlusHotstar mobile app!#CWC #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/nb9IAWDFlK
— Disney+ Hotstar (@DisneyPlusHS) May 1, 2024
The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super 8s starting June 19. The semi-finals are scheduled for June 26 and 27, with the final match on June 29 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Commenting on the new initiative, Sajith Sivanandan – Head of Disney+ Hotstar India, said,
By offering the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 for free on mobile, we aim to make the game of cricket more accessible, reach a wider audience across the country, and ensure that none of the sporting action is missed. No sport works as a better catalyst than cricket in bringing people together.
Last year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where we offered both tournaments for free on mobile, allowed us to serve newer audience segments helping us to significantly expand viewership.
Disney+ Hotstar’s strategy to offer the T20 World Cup for free is expected to attract a large audience and give advertisers a significant reach. Star Sports will broadcast the matches on television.
The Indian squad looks strong, and fans are eager to see if they can dominate the tournament from the start.
If you want to watch the T20 World Cup and are in the USA or anywhere outside India, utilize ExpressVPN to unblock your access to Disney Plus Hotstar.
