Star India’s video on demand (VoD) mobile app Hotstar has recently touched a new record of 5.5 million users for simultaneously consuming the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 live streaming.  The platform has also clocked more than 70 million users since the VIVO 2018 opening match was played between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super King.  The ground-breaking numbers are a proof of the increase in audience who likes to consume the live cricket matches on VoD than on traditional media.

Hotstar has launched a sports subscription service under which all live sports including IPL will be available for an annual subscription fee of Rs 299. Reportedly, Hotstar has partnered with Airtel and Jio to provide the IPL live feed free for their users. Non-Airtel and Jio customers will be able to see 10 minutes of live IPL free after that they have to either purchase the Hotstar All Sports Pack priced Rs. 299 a year or subscribe to Hotstar Premium to continue enjoying IPL .

This year, Star India has bagged the global media rights for the game for an estimated Rs 16,348 crore bid for five seasons (2018-22). By acquiring the broadcast rights, Star Plus has unseated their arch rival Sony Pictures Network, which held on to the rights since the last 10 years. Reportedly, it is one of the most expensive deals in cricket broadcasting history.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 12, 2018 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).