The Champions Trophy 2025 introduces live commentary in nine languages, making cricket more accessible than ever. This initiative, led by the ICC and JioHotstar, removes language barriers and ensures fans across India can enjoy the game in their preferred language. With cricket being a passion for 1.4 billion people, this step enhances engagement and inclusivity.
Why Multilingual Commentary Matters
Expanding Cricket’s Reach in India
Cricket is a unifying sport, but language gaps often limit fan engagement. The 2025 Champions Trophy offers commentary in Hindi, English, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, ensuring regional audiences stay connected. More than 53% of India’s rural population speaks regional languages, making this shift a game-changer.
IPL 2024 Success Shows the Impact
JioStar’s regional-language broadcasts in IPL 2024 led to a 53% rise in viewership. The same strategy is now applied to the Champions Trophy 2025, with Bhojpuri and Haryanvi commentary introduced to engage fans in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.
9 Languages That Shape the Broadcast
The Champions Trophy 2025 offers live commentary in:
- English & Hindi – For national and global audiences.
- Tamil, Telugu, Kannada – Popular in South India.
- Marathi, Bengali – Reaching key regional markets.
- Bhojpuri, Haryanvi – Connecting with 150 million speakers.
Regional-language commentary helps convert casual viewers into dedicated fans.
Technological Innovations Enhancing the Experience
Multi-Cam Feeds & MaxView Vertical Streaming
JioHotstar introduces four camera angles, allowing viewers to switch between player close-ups, aerial shots, and stump mic feeds. The MaxView vertical feed, designed for mobile screens, offers a TikTok-style format in Hindi and English, catering to younger audiences.
Accessibility Through ISL & Audio Descriptive Commentary
The Indian Sign Language (ISL) feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary make cricket accessible to visually impaired and hearing-impaired fans. These features, recognized with a National Award in 2024, set new standards for inclusivity.
How to Watch Champions Trophy 2025
JioHotstar Streaming
- Subscribe to JioHotstar Premium.
- Choose your preferred language in “Audio Options.”
- Enable MaxView for vertical streaming.
Star Sports TV Broadcast
- Watch in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada on Star Sports regional channels.
- Star Sports 1 (Hindi) provides nationwide coverage.
Free Global Streaming on ICC.tv
Fans in over 80 countries, including Nepal and Malaysia, can stream matches for free on ICC.tv. The ICC app also offers free radio commentary, ensuring global accessibility.