SonyLIV Streams India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash Amid Political Backlash

Lead SonyLIV began live streaming today’s India-Pakistan Asia Cup match in Dubai after acquiring rights for $170 million, drawing record viewership and political protests in India.

Nut Graf The match marks SonyLIV’s first foray into Asia Cup coverage and a strategic push to boost subscriptions during cricket’s peak season. However, calls to ban the telecast have surfaced, underscoring the contentious atmosphere surrounding India-Pakistan sporting ties.

Streaming Surge and Subscriber Push

SonyLIV expects a significant jump in new user registrations and live-view traffic, leveraging marquee titles like Shark Tank India and MasterChef to retain viewers beyond cricket. The platform’s LIV Premium annual plan (₹1 499) and monthly plan (₹399) support up to five devices and 4K HD streaming, while a mobile-only plan (₹699/year) caters to budget users.

Advertiser Caution

Despite the cricket frenzy, advertisers remain wary due to economic uncertainty and a recent government ban on real-money fantasy gaming, which could slash sports ad revenue by up to ₹14 000 crore this year.

Political Opposition

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey formally urged SonyLIV to halt the live broadcast of the India-Pakistan match, calling it “insensitive” amid heightened national security concerns. In a letter to Sony Pictures Private Limited, Dubey demanded an immediate ban on the telecast in India and sought a swift response.

Match Details and Broadcast Scope

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Start Time: 8:00 PM IST (Toss at 7:30 PM IST)
Commentary: Available in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu
Regions: India and select overseas markets including New Zealand and South Africa

Looking Ahead

SonyLIV’s Asia Cup experiment will be closely watched as a barometer for OTT sports broadcasting in India. A successful run could redefine digital cricket viewership, while ongoing political pushback may shape future rights negotiations.