While Crichd is a popular platform for streaming live cricket, it’s always good to have backup options, especially if Crichd is temporarily down or if you’re looking for additional features such as different broadcasters or a better user experience. Fortunately, there are several reliable alternatives that offer high-quality cricket streaming, many of which are free or reasonably priced.
In this article, we’ll explore 6 of the best alternatives to Crichd for live cricket streaming. These platforms offer various features, from HD streams to multi-sport coverage, ensuring that you can always find a great option to watch your favorite matches.
1. Hotstar (Disney+ Hotstar)
Overview:
Hotstar, now integrated with Disney+, is one of the most popular platforms for live cricket streaming, particularly in India. Hotstar provides live coverage of international matches, the Indian Premier League (IPL), and ICC tournaments, all with HD quality streams and minimal delay. Though Hotstar offers both free and paid versions, premium subscribers enjoy an ad-free experience and access to exclusive content.
Key Features:
- Live Cricket Matches: Hotstar offers extensive coverage of cricket tournaments like the IPL, ICC World Cup, and Bilateral Series.
- Multiple Devices: Stream on smartphones, smart TVs, or tablets seamlessly.
- Premium Content: Paid plans offer additional features such as live sports from other categories, Disney+ shows, and exclusive movies.
Pros:
- High-quality HD streams with low latency.
- Offers both free and premium options.
- Great for Indian users due to extensive regional coverage.
Cons:
- Free version has limited match coverage and includes ads.
- Premium content is geo-restricted to certain regions.
Pro Tip: If you’re outside India, you can use a VPN to access Hotstar’s cricket streams from regions like the US, UK, or Australia.
2. Willow TV
Overview:
For cricket fans in the United States, Willow TV is a premier destination. Willow TV specializes in live cricket broadcasts, offering 24/7 coverage of international matches, ICC events, and major domestic leagues like the IPL, BBL, and CPL. Although it’s a paid service, the subscription is reasonable, and it offers an ad-free experience with HD quality streams.
Key Features:
- Dedicated Cricket Channel: All cricket, all the time, with continuous live coverage.
- High-Quality Streaming: Streams matches in HD without buffering.
- Multi-Device Support: Watch on smart TVs, laptops, mobile devices, and streaming services like Roku or Amazon Fire TV.
Pros:
- The best option for cricket fans in the US.
- High-quality, uninterrupted cricket streams.
- Additional cricket-related content such as analysis, highlights, and interviews.
Cons:
- Requires a subscription (typically around $9.99/month).
- Geographically limited to viewers in the United States unless accessed via VPN.
Pro Tip: Use Willow TV’s DVR functionality to record live matches and watch them later at your convenience.
3. SonyLIV
Overview:
Another top choice for cricket fans, especially in India, is SonyLIV. SonyLIV is known for its coverage of the ICC events, Australian cricket series, and Big Bash League (BBL). It offers both free and premium versions, with the paid version offering better quality, fewer ads, and access to other sports like football and basketball.
Key Features:
- Live Cricket Streaming: Covers major international cricket series and tournaments, especially those held in Australia.
- On-Demand Content: Users can watch highlights, replays, and exclusive cricket shows.
- Affordable Subscription: The paid version is reasonably priced, with access to premium cricket content and other sports.
Pros:
- High-definition cricket streams with commentary in multiple languages.
- A large library of sports content, including replays and highlights.
- Available on a variety of platforms, including mobile and smart TV apps.
Cons:
- Free version has limited access and intrusive ads.
- Premium content is restricted to certain geographical areas, requiring a VPN to bypass restrictions.
Pro Tip: Sign up for SonyLIV’s annual sports plan for a discounted price, especially during major tournaments like the IPL or ICC events.
4. ESPN+
Overview:
For US-based cricket fans, ESPN+ is another excellent alternative to Crichd. It offers live streaming of many international cricket matches, especially those involving teams from the West Indies, New Zealand, and Ireland. ESPN+ is a paid service that also provides access to other sports like football, basketball, and UFC.
Key Features:
- Live Cricket Matches: ESPN+ has partnered with several cricket boards to broadcast live international matches.
- Affordable Subscription: For around $9.99/month, you get access to all live sports, including cricket.
- Multi-Device Support: Watch on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV.
Pros:
- Affordable subscription with access to multiple sports.
- Reliable, high-quality streaming with minimal buffering.
- Includes additional ESPN content like analysis, interviews, and documentaries.
Cons:
- Primarily covers non-Asian teams, so fans of India, Pakistan, or Sri Lanka may need other options.
- Requires a US IP address or VPN for international users.
Pro Tip: Bundle ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu for added entertainment value at a lower cost.
5. Sky Sports
Overview:
For cricket fans in the UK and Europe, Sky Sports is the gold standard for live cricket coverage. Sky Sports broadcasts almost every major cricket event, including the Ashes, English domestic cricket, and international series featuring England. It’s a paid service that can be accessed via satellite TV or online through NOW TV.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Sky Sports covers every major cricket match involving England and other international teams.
- High-Quality Streaming: Sky Sports offers some of the best HD cricket streams with professional commentary and analysis.
- Available on NOW TV: If you don’t have satellite TV, you can stream Sky Sports through NOW TV’s Sports Pass.
Pros:
- Top-tier commentary and analysis.
- Covers both domestic and international cricket events extensively.
- Available on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Cons:
- Premium pricing; typically more expensive than other options.
- Limited to UK and European audiences unless accessed via VPN.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to commit to a long-term subscription, get a Sky Sports Day Pass from NOW TV, allowing you to stream for 24 hours.
6. FuboTV
Overview:
FuboTV is a popular live sports streaming service in the United States that focuses on multiple sports, including cricket. It offers access to live cricket matches through channels like Willow TV, ESPN, and beIN Sports. FuboTV is a paid service but offers a 7-day free trial for new users, making it a great option for cricket fans who want a comprehensive sports package.
Key Features:
- Cricket and More: Stream live cricket alongside a wide variety of other sports like football, soccer, basketball, and more.
- Cloud DVR: Record matches and watch them later at your convenience.
- Multi-Screen Viewing: Watch cricket on multiple devices simultaneously.
Pros:
- Access to multiple sports channels that broadcast live cricket.
- Cloud DVR allows you to record matches and replay them later.
- Available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, and Chromecast.
Cons:
- Higher subscription cost compared to standalone cricket services.
- Some cricket channels may require additional fees.
Pro Tip: Take advantage of FuboTV’s free trial during major tournaments like the IPL or World Cup to stream cricket for free for a limited time.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Crichd Alternative
While Crichd is a fantastic option for live cricket streaming, having a backup plan is essential for uninterrupted viewing. Depending on your location and needs, these 6 alternatives—from Hotstar and Willow TV to SonyLIV and FuboTV—offer excellent live cricket streams with various features. Whether you’re looking for premium coverage, mobile-friendly options, or multi-sport access, these platforms ensure that you won’t miss any of the cricketing action.
Explore these alternatives to Crichd and find the best one that fits your viewing style, ensuring you’re always ready for the next big match!