Cricket viewership in the UK continues to grow through digital platforms.
Fans now access matches via apps and websites rather than traditional television.
The 2026 season brings major tournaments, including the ICC Under-19 World Cup, ICC T20 World Cup, and bilateral series across formats.
Streaming services have made cricket accessible on phones, tablets, and computers.
Viewers can watch live matches, highlights, and analysis from multiple providers.
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 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 guide covers the best live cricket streaming apps & sites in uk 2026, explaining where each tournament is shown and what each platform offers.
Understanding the UK cricket broadcasting landscape helps fans choose the right service.
Some platforms require paid subscriptions while others offer limited free access.
Best Live Cricket Streaming Apps & Sites in UK 2026
This table shows all major live cricket streaming apps in UK and their core offerings.
Compare monthly costs and coverage types to select the platform that matches your viewing needs.
Paid platforms provide comprehensive live coverage while free options are limited to highlights and select matches.
How to Watch Cricket in UK 2026?
Quick Steps for Fast Readers:
- Check which tournament or series you want to watch
- Identify the broadcasting partner from the table above
- Download the relevant app or visit the streaming site
- Create an account or sign in with existing credentials
- Subscribe to the paid service or access free content with a TV licence
- Select your match and start streaming
All platforms work across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV.
A stable internet connection of at least 5 Mbps is required for standard definition streaming, while HD quality needs 10 Mbps or higher.
Most paid services require payment information during account setup.
Free platforms like BBC iPlayer need confirmation that you hold a valid UK TV licence before access is granted.
Official Cricket Broadcasting Partners in the UK
1. Sky Sports Cricket
Sky Sports holds the most extensive cricket broadcasting rights in the UK. Their coverage includes all England home and away matches across formats, the Indian Premier League, Australia’s Big Bash League, South African domestic cricket, and County Championship matches.
The subscription costs approximately £22 per month and includes access to multiple Sky Sports channels. Sky Sports Cricket shows live matches with pre-match build-up, expert commentary, and post-match analysis.
2. BBC Sport
BBC Sport provides free cricket coverage through live audio commentary and video highlights. Until 2027, the BBC has the rights to show select ICC tournaments, including Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, Champions Trophy, and the Ashes series.
Live television coverage is limited to specific matches. The BBC focuses primarily on highlights packages and ball-by-ball text commentary available on their website. A TV licence is legally required to use BBC iPlayer and other BBC services.
3. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
TNT Sports covers specific cricket series not available on other UK platforms. This includes select India bilateral series, Australia away tours, and occasional ICC tournament matches.
The service costs £29.99 per month and is useful for fans following particular teams or series. TNT Sports coverage is less comprehensive than Sky Sports but fills gaps in the UK broadcasting schedule.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime occasionally acquires cricket broadcasting rights for special tournaments or series. Their cricket coverage is inconsistent and depends on which rights become available during bidding processes.
The platform costs £8.99 per month and includes non-sports content. Amazon Prime is not a primary cricket streaming option, but it may show significant matches when rights are secured.
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 at no additional cost. The app mirrors the live television broadcast with full match coverage and replays.
Sky Sports App offers similar functionality with additional features like match highlights, player statistics, and expert analysis articles. Both apps work on iOS and Android devices with the same login credentials used for Sky TV.
2. BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer streams cricket highlights, documentaries, and live matches when the BBC holds broadcasting rights. The platform is completely free with a TV licence and works across all devices.
Content includes archived cricket programs, player interviews, and analysis shows. Live streaming is limited to matches where the BBC has secured broadcasting rights, primarily during major ICC tournaments.
3. Discovery+
Discovery+ focuses on motorsports, cycling, and tennis rather than cricket. The platform costs £3.99 per month but offers minimal cricket content.
Cricket fans seeking comprehensive coverage should prioritize other services. Discovery+ is only relevant if you want additional non-cricket sports content alongside cricket streaming from another provider.
4. Now TV
Now TV provides Sky Sports content without requiring a long-term contract. Sports membership starts at £14.99 and allows streaming of all Sky Sports channels, including Sky Sports Cricket.
The service suits casual viewers who want live cricket streaming sites in UK access during specific tournaments without committing to annual subscriptions. Now TV works 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 | Hardcore fans 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 offer 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 options do not provide comprehensive live match access. Most international and domestic cricket requires paid subscriptions. BBC Radio offers ball-by-ball commentary for matches where television rights are unavailable.
2. Premium Subscription Benefits
Paid services provide live coverage of nearly every international and domestic match. Features include multiple camera angles, slow-motion replays, player tracking technology, and real-time statistics.
Premium platforms offer pre-match shows, post-match analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Streaming quality reaches up to 4K resolution on supported devices. No advertisements interrupt play during live matches.
3. Family and Student Discounts
Sky Sports offers household packages that reduce 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 committing to full-price subscriptions.
Free vs. Paid UK Streaming Platforms 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 (on free services) | 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 shows select World Cup matches for 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 shows select England home matches against major opponents like Australia and India. Away tours to countries including 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
The County Championship, England’s first-class domestic competition, is shown exclusively on Sky Sports. Coverage includes live matches from April through September with commentary and analysis.
The One-Day Cup and other county competitions also appear on Sky Sports. The 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 BBC under a shared broadcasting agreement. Sky Sports shows all matches live, while the BBC broadcasts select fixtures to reach wider audiences.
The T20 Blast, featuring all 18 first-class counties, is shown 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 the Ashes. A 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 shown 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 Sports, 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 streaming services are geo-restricted and do not work 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, making it suitable for viewers who only watch cricket during specific tournaments. Sky Sports is a better value for year-round cricket fans.
Conclusion:
The best live cricket streaming apps & sites in uk 2026 offer varied options for different viewer needs.
Sky Sports provides the most comprehensive coverage for dedicated fans, while the BBC offers limited free access to major tournaments.
Key considerations when selecting a platform:
- 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 not available elsewhere
Paid subscriptions deliver superior match quality, analysis, and comprehensive tournament coverage.
Free options suit casual viewers who prioritize 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
- England Cricket Players Salary
- England Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
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