Why This Partnership is a Game-Changer
- Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports are India’s go-to platforms, combining digital agility with TV tradition.
- MS Dhoni’s campaign amplifies emotional engagement, leveraging his legacy.
- The hybrid model balances competitive integrity with geopolitical realities.
The Rise of OTT Platforms in Cricket Broadcasting
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marks a pivotal shift in cricket broadcasting, with Disney+ Hotstar securing exclusive digital streaming rights in India and neighboring regions. This aligns with the global trend of audiences migrating to over-the-top (OTT) platforms for live sports. Disney+ Hotstar, boasting over 150 million users, has become synonymous with cricket in India, offering unmatched accessibility and convenience compared to traditional TV networks like Star Sports.
The platform’s dominance is reinforced by its ability to deliver high-definition streams, multilingual commentary (Hindi, English, Tamil, etc.), and real-time stats—features that cater to India’s diverse linguistic demographics. Meanwhile, Star Sports remains the linear TV partner, ensuring seamless integration for viewers who prefer traditional broadcasts.
Strategic Benefits for ICC and Disney+ Hotstar
This partnership extends beyond viewership—it’s a revenue powerhouse. Disney+ Hotstar leverages premium subscriptions and targeted ads, while the ICC gains a 19-day global spotlight across 15 matches featuring 8 elite teams. The collaboration also amplifies reach in Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan through Disney Star’s linear feeds, solidifying cricket’s pan-Asian appeal.
Inside the Champions Trophy 2025 Coverage
Multi-Platform Accessibility
Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports have merged digital and TV ecosystems to ensure no fan misses a moment. While Star Sports offers regional language broadcasts on channels like SS1 Hindi and SS1 Tamil, Disney+ Hotstar provides on-the-go streaming via smartphones, laptops, or Smart TVs. However, geo-restrictions pose challenges; fans using VPNs to bypass regional blocks face strict warnings, as seen in Hotstar’s repeated alerts during access attempts.
Exclusive Content and Features
Beyond live matches, the platforms offer pre-match analysis, expert panels, and interactive stats. For instance, Star Sports’ “Un-Dhoni” campaign film—featuring MS Dhoni in an ice bath—symbolizes the tournament’s high-stakes “do-or-die” format, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge storytelling.
MS Dhoni’s Role in the Marketing Blitz
Decoding the “Har Match Do-or-Die” Campaign
MS Dhoni, the 2013 Champions Trophy-winning captain, anchors Star Sports’ marketing strategy. The campaign’s centerpiece—a surreal film showing Dhoni sweating in an ice bath—visually captures the tournament’s intensity. Vikram Passi, JioStar’s Marketing Head, explains: “Our campaign presents Dhoni as Team India’s biggest fan, doing things contrary to his personality”.
Dhoni himself remarked: “The excitement and nerves for fans are on another level”, emphasizing how the campaign bridges player legacy with fan emotion. This synergy drives engagement, particularly for India’s high-voltage clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.
Regional Broadcasting Insights
Global Coverage Breakdown
While Disney+ Hotstar dominates South Asia, other regions rely on key broadcasters:
- UK: Sky Sports (TV) and SkyGO (streaming).
- Africa: SuperSport, offering multi-language commentary.
- North America: Willow TV and ESPN+.
Hybrid Hosting Model and Geopolitics
The tournament’s hybrid hosting (Pakistan and UAE) reflects geopolitical tensions. India’s matches, including the Indo-Pak showdown, are staged in Dubai to ensure neutrality, while Pakistan hosts other group games in Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.
FAQs
- How to watch in the USA?
Willow TV holds exclusive rights for the USA and Canada. - Why are India’s matches in Dubai?
Political tensions between India and Pakistan necessitated a neutral venue.
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ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
