Cricket streaming in the UK has shifted towards digital platforms.
Fans now access matches through apps and websites instead of traditional television.
The 2026 cricket calendar includes the ICC Under-19 World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and multiple bilateral series across all formats.
Viewers can watch live matches, highlights, and analysis on mobile devices, tablets, and computers.
Live Cricket Streaming Apps & Sites in the UK
This guide explains the best live cricket streaming apps & sites in the UK in 2026, covering where each tournament is broadcast and what each service provides.
Understanding UK cricket broadcasting helps fans select appropriate platforms.
Some services require subscriptions, while others offer restricted free access.
Best Live Cricket Streaming Apps & Sites in the UK 2026
| Platform | Type (App/Site) | Live Cricket | Key Tournaments | Monthly Cost | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports Cricket | App & Site | Yes | England matches, IPL, ICC events, County Cricket | £22 | Paid |
| BBC Sport | App & Site | Limited | World Cups, T20 World Cups, Ashes highlights | Free | Free (TV licence required) |
| TNT Sports | App & Site | Selected series | India tours, Australia series | £29.99 | Paid |
| Sky Go | App | Yes | Same as Sky Sports Cricket | Included with Sky TV | Paid |
| Now TV | App & Site | Yes | Sky Sports content without a contract | £14.99 | Paid |
| BBC iPlayer | App & Site | Limited | Highlights, documentaries, select live matches | Free | Free (TV licence required) |
| Amazon Prime Video | App & Site | Occasional | Special tournaments (varies by rights) | £8.99 | Paid |
| Discovery+ | App & Site | Minimal | Limited sports coverage | £3.99 | Paid |
This table lists live cricket streaming apps in the UK with their coverage and costs.
Compare monthly prices and tournament access to identify which platform matches your viewing requirements.
Paid services deliver comprehensive live coverage while free platforms provide highlights and limited live matches.
How to Watch Cricket in the UK 2026?
Quick Steps for Fast Readers:
- Identify the tournament or series you want to watch
- Check which broadcaster holds rights from the table above
- Download the app or access the streaming website
- Create an account or log in with existing credentials
- Subscribe to a paid service or verify a TV licence for free access
- Select your match and begin streaming
All platforms function across smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices, including Amazon FireTV Stick and Apple TV.
Standard definition streaming requires at least a 5 Mbps internet connection, while HD quality needs 10 Mbps or higher.
Paid services require payment details during setup, and free platforms need TV licence confirmation before granting access.
Official Cricket Broadcasting Partners in the UK
1. Sky Sports Cricket
Sky Sports holds extensive cricket broadcasting rights in the UK. Coverage includes all England home and away matches across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, South African domestic cricket, and County Championship matches.
Subscription costs approximately £22 monthly and includes multiple Sky Sports channels. Coverage features live matches with pre-match analysis, expert commentary, and post-match discussion.
2. BBC Sport
BBC Sport delivers free cricket through live audio commentary and video highlights. Until 2027, the BBC holds rights for select ICC tournaments, including Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, and Ashes series.
Live television coverage applies to specific matches only. BBC primarily provides highlights packages and ball-by-ball text commentary on its website. A TV licence is legally required for BBC iPlayer and BBC services.
3. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
TNT Sports broadcasts specific cricket series unavailable on other UK platforms. Coverage includes select India bilateral series, Australia away tours, and occasional ICC tournament matches.
The monthly cost is £29.99. The service suits fans following particular teams or series. TNT Sports coverage is less extensive than Sky Sports but covers gaps in UK broadcasting schedules.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime occasionally secures cricket broadcasting rights for special tournaments or series. Cricket coverage is inconsistent and depends on available rights during bidding processes.
The monthly cost is £8.99 and includes non-sports content. Amazon Prime is not a primary cricket platform but may broadcast significant matches when rights are obtained.
Popular Legal Cricket Streaming Platforms in the UK
1. Sky Go and Sky Sports App
Sky Go allows existing Sky TV subscribers to stream cricket on mobile devices without additional charges. The app mirrors live television broadcasts with full match coverage and replays.
Sky Sports App provides similar functionality plus match highlights, player statistics, and expert analysis articles. Both apps work on iOS and Android devices using Sky TV login credentials.
2. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer streams cricket highlights, documentaries, and live matches when the BBC holds broadcasting rights. The platform is free with a TV licence and operates across all devices.
Content includes archived cricket programs, player interviews, and analysis shows. Live streaming is restricted to matches where the BBC secured broadcasting rights, primarily during major ICC tournaments.
3. Discovery+
Discovery+ focuses on motorsports, cycling, and tennis rather than cricket. The monthly cost is £3.99, but cricket content is minimal.
Fans seeking comprehensive cricket coverage should prioritize other services. Discovery+ is relevant only if additional non-cricket sports content is required alongside cricket streaming from another provider.
4. Now TV
Now TV provides Sky Sports content without long-term contracts. Sports membership starts at £14.99 and grants access to all Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket.
The service suits casual viewers wanting access during specific tournaments without annual commitments. Now TV operates on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Platform Comparison:
| Platform | Live Matches | Highlights Only | Best For | Device Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Go / Sky Sports App | Yes | No | Regular viewers with Sky TV | All devices |
| BBC iPlayer | Limited | Yes | Casual viewers | All devices |
| Discovery+ | No | No | Non-cricket sports fans | All devices |
| Now TV | Yes | No | Viewers avoiding contracts | All devices |
Free vs. Paid Cricket Streaming Platforms in the UK
1. Free Legal Options
BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website provide the only legitimate free cricket streaming in the UK. Coverage includes highlights of major matches, live audio commentary, and occasional live television broadcasts during World Cups and Ashes series.
Free platforms do not offer comprehensive live match access. Most international and domestic cricket requires paid subscriptions. BBC Radio provides ball-by-ball commentary for matches where television rights are unavailable.
2. Premium Subscription Benefits
Paid services deliver live coverage of nearly all international and domestic matches. Features include multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, player tracking technology, and real-time statistics.
Premium platforms provide pre-match shows, post-match analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Streaming quality reaches up to 4K resolution on supported devices. Live matches contain no advertisement interruptions during play.
3. Family and Student Discounts
Sky Sports offers household packages, reducing per-person costs when multiple family members share one subscription. Student discounts typically range from 10-20% off standard pricing through verification services like UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
Now TV frequently runs promotional offers for new subscribers including discounted first-month rates. Check individual platform websites for current discount availability before purchasing subscriptions.
Free vs. Paid Comparison:
| Feature | Free Platforms | Paid Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Live Match Coverage | Very limited (major tournaments only) | Comprehensive (all formats) |
| Highlights | Yes (BBC iPlayer) | Yes (all platforms) |
| Match Quality | Standard definition | HD to 4K |
| Commentary Options | Audio only | Multiple commentary teams |
| Ad-Free Viewing | No | Yes |
| Analysis Shows | Limited | Extensive pre/post-match coverage |
International Cricket Coverage in the UK
1. ICC Tournaments and World Cup
Cricket World Cup broadcasting rights rotate between platforms depending on bidding outcomes. Sky Sports typically secures most ICC tournament rights, including the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy.
BBC occasionally broadcasts select World Cup matches free, particularly during the Men’s and Women’s tournaments until 2027. TNT Sports has previously held rights to specific ICC events. Broadcasting arrangements change with each tournament cycle.
2. England National Team Matches
Sky Sports broadcasts the majority of England cricket across all formats. This includes home Test series at grounds like Lord’s and Edgbaston, ODI series, and T20I matches.
BBC broadcasts select England home matches against major opponents, including Australia and India. Away tours to countries like Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand appear on Sky Sports. TNT Sports occasionally covers specific England away series.
3. County Championship and Domestic Competitions
County Championship, England’s first-class domestic competition, is broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports. Coverage includes live matches from April through September with commentary and analysis.
One-Day Cup and other county competitions also appear on Sky Sports. BBC occasionally broadcasts county finals and significant matches but does not provide regular season coverage. Fans following specific county teams require Sky Sports subscriptions.
4. The Hundred and T20 Blast Coverage
The Hundred appears on both Sky Sports and the BBC under a shared broadcasting agreement. Sky Sports broadcasts all matches live while the BBC shows select fixtures to reach wider audiences.
T20 Blast, featuring all 18 first-class counties, is broadcast primarily on Sky Sports. Live coverage includes group stage matches, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals day. Some matches receive delayed highlights treatment on other platforms.
FAQs
- Can I watch cricket for free in the UK?
Limited free cricket is available through BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport. Coverage includes highlights and select live matches during major tournaments like World Cups and Ashes. TV licence is required.
- Which streaming service shows the most cricket?
Sky Sports Cricket provides the most comprehensive coverage, including England matches, IPL, County Championship, and most international cricket. Their subscription covers nearly all cricket broadcasts in the UK.
- Do I need fast internet for cricket streaming?
A stable connection of at least 5 Mbps is required for standard definition. HD streaming needs 10 Mbps, while 4K quality requires 25 Mbps or higher. Connection stability matters more than raw speed.
- Can I watch cricket on my phone?
All major platforms, including Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Now TV, and TNT Sport,s have mobile apps for iOS and Android. Download the relevant app and sign in with your account credentials.
- What happens if I travel outside the UK?
Most UK live cricket streaming sites in UK are geo-restricted and do not function abroad due to licensing agreements. VPN services may bypass restrictions, but often violate platform terms of service.
- Is Now TV better than Sky Sports for occasional viewers?
Now TV offers flexible monthly subscriptions without contracts, suitable for viewers watching cricket during specific tournaments only. Sky Sports provides better value for year-round cricket fans.
Conclusion:
The best live cricket streaming apps & sites in uk 2026 provide varied options for different viewer requirements.
Sky Sports delivers the most comprehensive coverage for dedicated fans, while the BBC offers limited free access to major tournaments.
Key considerations when selecting platforms:
- Sky Sports and Sky Go for complete cricket coverage across all formats
- BBC iPlayer for free highlights and select live matches
- Now TV for flexible short-term access without contracts
- TNT Sports for specific series is unavailable elsewhere
Paid subscriptions deliver superior match quality, analysis, and comprehensive tournament coverage.
Free platforms suit casual viewers, prioritizing cost over complete access.
Most fans require multiple platforms to watch all desired cricket content throughout the year.
Also Check:
- England Cricket Schedule 2026-2027
- One-Off Tournaments
- All Teams Squads for Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- England Cricket Players Salary
- England Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
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