Cricket viewing in the UK has moved to digital platforms.
Fans access matches through dedicated apps and streaming websites rather than traditional broadcast television.
The 2026 cricket season includes the ICC Under-19 World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and numerous bilateral series across all three formats.
Streaming services enable cricket viewing on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Live matches, highlights, and expert analysis are available through multiple providers.
Best Live Cricket Streaming Apps & Sites in the UK
This guide covers the best live cricket streaming apps & sites in the UK in 2026, explaining which tournaments appear where and what each service offers.
Understanding the UK cricket broadcasting structure helps viewers choose appropriate platforms.
Some require paid subscriptions, while others provide restricted free access.
Best Live Cricket Streaming Apps & Sites in 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 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 displays live cricket streaming apps in the UK with their coverage types and subscription costs.
Match the tournament you want to watch with the platform that holds broadcasting rights.
Paid platforms deliver comprehensive live coverage while free options provide highlights and limited live matches.
How to Watch Cricket in the UK 2026?
Quick Steps for Fast Readers:
- Determine which tournament or series you want to watch
- Identify the broadcaster holding rights from the table above
- Download the relevant app or visit the streaming website
- Create a new account or sign in with existing credentials
- Complete subscription payment for paid services or verify TV licence for free platforms
- Navigate to your chosen match and start streaming
All platforms operate across smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick and Apple TV.
Standard definition streaming requires a minimum 5 Mbps internet connection, while HD quality needs 10 Mbps or faster.
Paid services require payment information during account creation, and free platforms need a valid UK TV licence confirmation before access.
Official Cricket Broadcasting Partners in the UK
1. Sky Sports Cricket
Sky Sports controls the largest cricket broadcasting portfolio 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.
Monthly subscription costs approximately £22 and provides access to multiple Sky Sports channels. Live matches include pre-match analysis, expert commentary teams, and post-match discussion programmes.
2. BBC Sport
BBC Sport provides free cricket through live audio commentary and video highlights. Until 2027, the BBC holds broadcasting 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 determined by broadcasting agreements. BBC primarily delivers highlights packages and ball-by-ball text commentary on its website. A valid TV licence is legally required for accessing BBC iPlayer and BBC digital services.
3. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
TNT Sports broadcasts specific cricket series not available on other UK platforms. Coverage includes select India bilateral series, Australia away tours, and occasional ICC tournament matches.
Monthly subscription costs £29.99. The platform suits viewers following particular teams or specific series. TNT Sports coverage is less comprehensive than Sky Sports but fills broadcasting gaps in the UK cricket schedule.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime occasionally acquires cricket broadcasting rights for special tournaments or series. Cricket availability is inconsistent and depends on which rights become available during auction processes.
Monthly subscription costs £8.99 and includes non-sports entertainment content. Amazon Prime is not a dedicated cricket platform, but it may broadcast significant matches when broadcasting rights are secured.
Popular Legal Cricket Streaming Platforms in the UK
1. Sky Go and Sky Sports App
Sky Go enables existing Sky TV subscribers to stream cricket on mobile devices without additional charges. The app mirrors live television broadcasts with complete match coverage and instant replays.
Sky Sports App delivers similar streaming functionality plus match highlights, player statistics, and expert analysis articles. Both apps operate on iOS and Android devices using identical Sky TV login credentials.
2. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer streams cricket highlights, documentaries, and live matches when the BBC holds broadcasting rights. The platform operates for free with a valid TV licence and functions across all device types.
Available content includes archived cricket programmes, player interviews, and analysis shows. Live streaming applies only to matches where the BBC secured broadcasting rights, primarily during major ICC tournaments.
3. Discovery+
Discovery+ concentrates on motorsports, cycling, and tennis rather than cricket. Monthly subscription costs £3.99, but cricket content availability is minimal.
Viewers seeking comprehensive cricket coverage should select other platforms. Discovery+ becomes relevant only when additional non-cricket sports content is required alongside cricket streaming from separate providers.
4. Now TV
Now TV delivers Sky Sports content without requiring long-term contracts. Sports membership starts at £14.99 monthly and provides access to all Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket.
The platform suits occasional viewers wanting live cricket streaming sites in uk access during specific tournaments without annual subscription 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 | Frequent viewers with Sky TV | All devices |
| BBC iPlayer | Limited | Yes | Casual viewers | All devices |
| Discovery+ | No | No | Non-cricket sports viewers | All devices |
| Now TV | Yes | No | Contract-free viewers | All devices |
Free vs. Paid Cricket Streaming Platforms in the UK
1. Free Legal Options
BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website represent 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 deliver comprehensive live match access. Most international and domestic cricket requires paid subscriptions. BBC Radio offers ball-by-ball commentary for matches where television broadcasting rights are unavailable.
2. Premium Subscription Benefits
Paid services broadcast live coverage of nearly all international and domestic matches. Features include multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, player tracking technology, and real-time match statistics.
Premium platforms deliver pre-match shows, post-match analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Streaming quality reaches up to 4K resolution on compatible devices. Live matches contain no advertisement interruptions during play.
3. Family and Student Discounts
Sky Sports provides household packages that reduce per-person costs when multiple family members share a single subscription. Student discounts typically range from 10-20% off standard pricing through verification platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
Now TV regularly runs promotional offers for new subscribers, including reduced 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 |
International Cricket Coverage in the UK
1. ICC Tournaments and World Cup
Cricket World Cup broadcasting rights rotate between platforms based 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 agreements 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 venues 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 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, broadcasts exclusively on Sky Sports. Coverage includes live matches from April through September with full 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. Viewers following specific county teams require Sky Sports subscriptions.
4. The Hundred and T20 Blast Coverage
The Hundred appears on both Sky Sports and BBC under shared broadcasting agreements. Sky Sports broadcasts all matches live while BBC shows select fixtures to reach wider audiences.
T20 Blast, featuring all 18 first-class counties, broadcasts 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. A valid TV licence is required.
- Which streaming service shows the most cricket?
Sky Sports Cricket delivers 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 internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is required for standard definition. HD streaming needs 10 Mbps, while 4K quality requires 25 Mbps or faster. 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 Sports, provide mobile apps for iOS and Android. Download the appropriate app and sign in with your account credentials.
- What happens if I travel outside the UK?
Most UK streaming platforms are geo-restricted and do not function outside the UK 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 long-term contracts, suitable for viewers watching cricket during specific tournaments only. Sky Sports provides better value for year-round cricket viewers.
Conclusion:
The best live cricket streaming apps & sites in uk 2026 offer varied options for different viewing requirements.
Sky Sports delivers the most comprehensive coverage for dedicated cricket fans, while the BBC provides limited free access to major tournaments.
Key platform considerations:
- 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, comprehensive analysis, and complete tournament coverage.
Free platforms suit casual viewers, prioritizing cost over comprehensive access.
Most cricket fans require multiple platforms to watch all the desired cricket content throughout the year.
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