Disney+ Hotstar has brought exciting news to cricket lovers across India by confirming the free broadcast of ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on its mobile application.
Scheduled to be held in West Indies and the United States from June 2 to 29, the tournament promises fans a thrilling game of cricket.
The move follows Hotstar's previous success in streaming major cricket events such as the 2023 Asia Cup and ICC ODI World Cup for free on its mobile app.
However, while mobile users can access the matches for free, fans who want to watch online on smart TVs or laptops will need to purchase a subscription.
Disney to merge with Reliance
The Walt Disney Company and Reliance Industries recently announced a major merger of their media businesses in India. The merger, worth Rs 70,000 crore, is aimed at creating a formidable presence in the media world.
Under the agreement, Reliance and its affiliates will hold a 63.16% majority stake in the combined entity, which will encompass two streaming services and 120 television channels. Disney will hold the remaining 36.84%.
As part of the deal, Reliance will infuse Rs 11,500 crore after the joint venture is completed, strengthening its ability to compete with industry rivals such as Sony and Netflix.
The merger comes as Disney+ Hotstar faces a decline in its paid subscriber base, which fell from about 55 million to about 40 million in Q1 FY24. This is mainly due to Reliance's Jio Cinema securing exclusive rights to live sports coverage. The combined organization is expected to have the largest OTT subscriber base, marking a major shift in India's media landscape.
Published on: Tuesday, March 5, 2024, 3:30 PM IST
