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Sources say that Reliance-Disney will stop offering free IPL streaming in India.

Three sources said on Thursday that the Reliance-Disney joint enterprise will no longer provide free streaming of IPL cricket games. Instead, it will use a hybrid model in which subscriptions will be charged after a certain threshold is reached for content consumption.

First source said that the entity would also launch a new streaming app with plans starting from 149 rupees.

After Indian billionaire MukeshAmbani's Reliance Media and Walt Disney merged their India media assets last year in an $8.5 billion deal, the decision was made to change the streaming terms for the Indian Premier League.

JioCinema offers free IPL streaming after securing rights to the popular tournament starting in 2023, for five years and $3 billion.

Two sources who have direct knowledge said that all streaming content including IPL will now shift to a hybrid-model where users can watch for free at first, but then will be required to subscribe based on their consumption habits.

The first source said that once a user developed affinity for the platform, started watching free and became loyal, the subscription would kick in. Each user's subscription may start at a different time.

Sources declined to name themselves as the plans were confidential.

Reliance which controls the joint-venture did not respond when asked for comments.

First source said that the joint venture entity will stream its content on a newly rebranded app. The app will have a basic plan for 149 rupees (1.72 dollars) and an ad free version for 499 rupees (5.75 dollars) for three months.

Reliance and Disney's joint venture operates more than 100 TV stations and streaming apps on India's $28 billion media and entertainment market. It competes, amongst others, with Netflix and Amazon Prime.

JioCinema owned the rights to IPL Cricket, which is a big moneymaker and one of the most streamed contents, as well the Winter Olympics, and Indian Super League Football. Disney's Hotstar App had the rights to International Cricket Council tournaments in India, and English Premier League Soccer.

Vice Chairman Uday Shakar is the person who makes the key decisions for the company. He has a wealth of experience in the media industry and was instrumental in the success of Disney's Hotstar streaming application.

(source: Reuters)