How to Watch Live Cricket in UK

Table Of Contents


Introduction

Cricket fever is soaring, and if you're in the UK, there's no need to miss a single moment of the action! Whether you're a die-hard fan of international clashes, a supporter of the home team, or simply craving the adrenaline of a high-stakes T20 match, we've got you covered.

In this article, I will give you a few tips on how to watch live cricket in UK. Let’s start:

Sky Sports

Watching cricket on Sky Sports provides comprehensive coverage of international and domestic cricket matches, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 games, and major cricket tournaments. Sky Sports offers a variety of services and platforms for cricket fans to enjoy the sport. 

1. Sky Sports Channels:

This is definitely the first thing that comes to mind when someone asks me how to watch live cricket in UK. Sky Sports has dedicated channels for different sports, including cricket. Matches are broadcast on these channels, and you can find detailed schedules on the Sky Sports website or TV guide. Sky Sports Cricket is the specific channel where most live cricket matches are aired.

2. Sky Sports Subscription:

To access Sky Sports channels, you need a subscription to the Sky Sports package. You can add this package to your existing Sky TV subscription or access it through streaming services like Now TV. You can choose from various subscription options, such as day passes, week passes, or monthly subscriptions, depending on your viewing needs and preferences.

3. Now TV Passes:

If you don't have a Sky TV subscription, you can still watch Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket, through Now TV. Now TV offers day, week, and month passes for Sky Sports, allowing you to watch live cricket matches without a long-term contract. These passes can be purchased online and provide access to the same content as regular Sky Sports subscribers.

4. Sky Go:

Sky Go is a streaming service offered by Sky, that allows subscribers to watch live and on-demand content on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles. Sky Go provides access to all the channels included in your Sky Sports subscription, enabling you to watch cricket matches on the go.

5. Sky Sports App:

The Sky Sports app is available for download on smartphones and tablets. It provides live streaming of matches, highlights, scores, news, and analysis. The app offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to navigate easily between different sports and matches.

6. Interactive Features:

During live matches, Sky Sports often provides interactive features such as in-depth statistics, player analysis, and real-time scorecards. These features enhance the viewing experience by providing additional insights into the game.

7. HD and 4K UHD Streaming:

Sky Sports offers high-definition (HD) and 4K Ultra HD (UHD) streaming for selected matches and events, providing superior visual quality and a more immersive viewing experience.

Now TV

Now TV is a popular streaming service that allows viewers in the UK to access Sky's content without a long-term contract. Here's how you can watch cricket on Now TV:

Now TV


1. Creating an Account:

First, you need to create an account on the Now TV website. You'll be required to provide your email address and set up a password.

2. Choosing a Pass:

Now TV offers several pass options, including Entertainment, Cinema, Kids, and Sports. To watch cricket, you'll need the Sky Sports Pass. The Sports Pass provides access to all Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket, allowing you to watch live cricket matches.

3. Purchasing a Pass:

After selecting the Sky Sports Pass, you can choose the duration of your pass. Now TV offers day, week, and month passes. Pick the pass that suits your viewing needs. Once selected, you can proceed to payment.

4. Payment and Activation:

You'll need to enter your payment details to complete the purchase. Once your payment is processed, your pass will be activated immediately, and you'll have access to all the Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket.

5. Accessing Now TV:

You can watch Now TV on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Download the Now TV app on your preferred device and log in using the account details you created earlier. Once logged in, you can start streaming live cricket matches on Sky Sports Cricket.

6. Watching Live Cricket:

Navigate to the Sky Sports Cricket channel within the Now TV app to watch live cricket matches. Now TV provides a user-friendly interface, making it easy to find and stream the content you want to watch.

7. Additional Features:

Now TV also offers features like pausing and rewinding live TV, allowing you to catch every moment of the game. Additionally, you can watch on multiple devices, so you're not limited to just one screen.

BT Sport

BT Sport is another popular sports broadcasting network in the UK that provides coverage for various sporting events, including cricket. Here's how you can watch cricket on BT Sport:

1. BT Sport Subscription:

To watch cricket on BT Sport, you need to have a subscription to their service. You can subscribe directly through their website or check with your cable or satellite TV provider to see if they offer BT Sport packages.

2. BT Sport App:

Once you have a subscription, you can download the BT Sport app on your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or other streaming devices. The app allows you to stream live matches, catch up on missed games, and enjoy various cricket-related content.

3. BT Sport Channels:

BT Sport has multiple channels dedicated to different sports. Cricket matches are usually broadcast on one of these channels. You can check the BT Sport website or app for the schedule to find out which channel will be airing the live cricket match you want to watch.

4. Online Streaming:

In addition to the app, you can also watch BT Sport online through their official website. By logging in with your subscription details, you can stream live cricket matches directly from your computer's web browser.

5. Casting and Devices:

BT Sport supports various devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming media players like Roku and Amazon Fire Stick. You can cast the matches from your mobile device to your TV using compatible devices for a better viewing experience.

6. Catch-Up and Highlights:

If you miss a live match, BT Sport often provides catch-up services and highlights, allowing you to watch the key moments and summaries of the game after it has aired.

7. BT Sport Ultimate:

BT Sport Ultimate is a feature that provides enhanced video quality, including 4K UHD and HDR (High Dynamic Range) for a more immersive viewing experience. This feature is available for certain events, so make sure to check if the cricket match you want to watch is included in BT Sport Ultimate.

Streaming Services

How to watch live cricket in UK? Streaming services! Cricket streaming services are online platforms that allow cricket fans to watch live matches, highlights, and other cricket-related content over the internet. These services offer convenience and flexibility, enabling viewers to watch matches on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. 

1. Willow TV:

Willow TV is one of the most well-known cricket streaming services, especially for viewers in the United States. It offers live streaming of international and domestic cricket matches from around the world. Willow TV requires a subscription and provides high-quality live streams, match replays, and highlights.

2. Hotstar:

Hotstar, now part of Disney+, is a popular streaming service in India that offers live streaming of cricket matches along with a wide range of other content. Hotstar provides live coverage of international and Indian domestic cricket matches, including the Indian Premier League (IPL). Users can watch matches for free with a few minutes delay or subscribe to Hotstar Premium for live and ad-free streaming.

3. ESPN+:

ESPN+ is a sports streaming service in the United States that offers live and on-demand streaming of various sports, including cricket. While it primarily covers domestic cricket leagues and tournaments, ESPN+ occasionally streams international matches as well. A subscription is required to access the content.

4. Cricket Australia Live:

Cricket Australia Live is the official streaming service for Australian cricket. It provides live streaming of Australian domestic matches, international tours involving Australia, and other exclusive cricket content. Subscribers can watch matches live and access match highlights.

5. SonyLIV:

SonyLIV is an Indian streaming service that offers live streaming of cricket matches along with a variety of other content. It covers international and domestic cricket, including matches involving the Indian cricket team. SonyLIV requires a subscription for live streaming.

6. YouTube:

YouTube often hosts official channels of cricket boards (such as ECB, BCCI, and ICC) where they upload match highlights, interviews, and other cricket-related content. While it may not offer live streaming of matches, YouTube is a good source for catching up on key moments and analysis.

Streaming Services


BBC Sport

BBC Sport occasionally provides live coverage of cricket matches, especially major international tournaments involving the England cricket team. 

1. BBC iPlayer:

BBC iPlayer is the online streaming service of BBC in the UK. While it doesn't regularly broadcast live international cricket matches, it occasionally provides live coverage of certain tournaments and matches. You can check the BBC Sport website or the iPlayer app for information about live streams.

2. BBC Radio:

BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio 4 Long Wave often provide live audio commentary for major cricket matches, including Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 games. This is especially useful if you prefer audio commentary over video.

3. BBC Sport Website:

The BBC Sport website (bbc.co.uk/sport) offers extensive coverage of cricket events. You can find live text commentary, score updates, match reports, video highlights, and analysis for various cricket matches. The website is regularly updated during live matches, providing ball-by-ball commentary and detailed statistics.

4. BBC Sport App:

The BBC Sport app, available for smartphones and tablets, allows you to follow live scores, read news articles, watch video highlights, and access in-depth analysis of cricket matches. It provides a user-friendly interface for staying updated on ongoing and upcoming cricket fixtures.

5. BBC Red Button:

During major tournaments or significant matches, BBC may offer interactive services through the Red Button feature on your TV remote. This can include live score updates, player statistics, and other relevant information related to the ongoing match.

6. Social Media:

BBC Sport's social media channels, including Twitter and Facebook, provide real-time updates, highlights, and news about cricket matches. Following their social media accounts can keep you informed about the latest happenings in the world of cricket.

Mobile Apps

Watching cricket on mobile apps has become increasingly popular, offering the flexibility to enjoy matches and related content on the go. Here's what you can expect when using mobile apps to watch cricket:

1. Official Cricket Board Apps:

Many cricket boards have their own official apps. For instance, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) has an app that provides live scores, match updates, news, and exclusive content related to Indian cricket. Similarly, other boards like ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and CA (Cricket Australia) have their apps offering similar features. These apps are especially useful for following specific teams and players.

2. Streaming Services' Apps:

Services like Willow TV, Hotstar, ESPN+, and others often have dedicated apps. These apps allow subscribers to watch live matches, highlights, and analysis on their mobile devices. Users can access the content after logging in with their subscription credentials. These apps are great for catching live action, especially during international tournaments like the ICC World Cup or T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).

3. Sports Network Apps:

Major sports networks like ESPN, Sky Sports, and BT Sport have their own apps. These apps cover a wide range of sports, including cricket. They offer live streaming, score updates, video highlights, and expert analysis. Some apps also allow users to set notifications for match events and score updates.

4. Social Media Platforms:

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often feature live streaming of matches and highlights. Cricket boards, sports networks, and individual players frequently share live videos and clips on these platforms. While not comprehensive, this can be a convenient way to catch snippets of live action and stay updated with key moments.

5. YouTube Channels:

Official YouTube channels of cricket boards and tournaments upload match highlights, interviews, and other exclusive content. While not live, these videos provide detailed summaries of matches and important events.

6. Fantasy Cricket Apps:

Fantasy cricket apps like Dream11 often provide live score updates and ball-by-ball commentary for matches. These apps are not just for fantasy gaming; they also offer comprehensive match coverage and statistics.

7. Podcast Apps:

Some cricket podcasts, including commentary and analysis, are available on podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts. While not visual, these podcasts offer in-depth discussions about matches, players, and the sport in general.

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