Disney+ Hotstar to provide free cricket match in India

Disney plans to counter subscriber loss on Disney+ Hotstar in India by offering free cricket streaming on smartphones and tablets.

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Live matches of the Asia Cup from August 30 and the upcoming World Cup hosted by India in October and November will be streamed.

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This "hybrid model" strategy aims to increase ad revenues by attracting more smartphone users to access the service for free.

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Disney+ Hotstar began losing subscribers after losing the rights to IPL to JioCinema in a $2.9 billion deal the previous year.

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Disney executives admit underestimating Indian consumers' willingness to switch from free to premium plans.

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Disney is exploring options such as seeking a joint venture partner for its India business or potentially selling the business outright.

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