I-League 2018-19: Hotstar to stream matches, not all games will be on TV
INDIAN FOOTBALL FANS WHO have been worried about the lack of information regarding the telecast of I-League matches can breathe a sigh of relief. Hotstar, the leading video streaming app, has come forward to say they will be showing the matches live.
Hotstar's official Twitter handle for customer assistance, @Hotstar_helps, replied to a concerned fan assuring him that India's top division league will be available for viewing on their platform in HD quality.
Hi. We will be showing the I-League matches which are produced for TV. Also, LIVE sports are streamed at 720p only. We will share your feedback with our Content team for their perusal.
— Hotstar (@hotstar_helps) September 16, 2018
The tweet only promises live streaming of matches which are also produced for TV, which confirms that unlike last season, I-League will not have all its games televised, but a select few will be shown.
Last season, too, it was Hotstar who were the official streaming service for I-League, while Star Sports 2 telecasted the matches. Star network, who are co-owners of ISL, did a good job broadcasting the I-League, with almost all the matches being beamed live. This made Star Sports 2 the de facto home of Indian football, carrying both I-League and ISL, providing hundreds of hours of live Indian football to the fans over the 2017-18 season.
While we are yet to hear from Star regarding whether or not they will show I-Legue matches live, the fact that Hotstar are on-board for I-League suggests there is a good chance that one of the Star Sports channels will be involved in showcasing the league as well.
Spectacular finishes, last ditch tackles, astonishing saves – enjoy Indian football like never before on a channel dedicated to all things football - Star Sports 3! Apni football ka apna channel! 🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/tTKVT5begJ
— Star Sports Football (@StarFootball) September 14, 2018
Star have recently launched Star Sports 3, a new channel with a particular emphasis on Indian football. The channel will carry all the ISL matches. Whether or not the channel also picks up the top divisio league will hopefully be clear very soon.
