Where to Watch the IPL in the UK: Sky Sports, NOW and Prices

In the UK the IPL is on Sky Sports, exclusively, on a four-year deal that runs to the end of 2027. Every match of IPL 2026 was shown on Sky Sports Cricket, with the opener on Main Event, and streamed on Sky Go and NOW. There is no free-to-air option and no official free highlights service for UK viewers. This guide covers the channels, what it costs in October 2026, the match times in British time, how to watch abroad, and what is known about rights beyond 2027.

The UK Broadcaster

Sky Sports announced in March 2024 that it had taken exclusive UK and Ireland rights to the IPL and the Women's Premier League for four seasons, 2024 to 2027. IPL 2026 was carried on Sky Sports Cricket, with the first match on Sky Sports Main Event, and every one of the 74 matches was televised. The same deal covers the WPL in February and March.

What It Costs

Prices change; these were current when this page was checked. For a season that runs late March to the end of May, two NOW monthly passes or the six-month saver cover it. Existing Sky customers with Sky Sports already have the channel.

Match Times in the UK

IPL matches start at 7.30pm Indian time, which is 3pm in the UK during British Summer Time, with weekend afternoon games at 3.30pm Indian time, or 11am UK. Matches run about three and a half hours. The 2026 final started at 3pm UK time on a Sunday.

Highlights and Clips

Sky Sports posts highlights on its own site and app for subscribers, and the IPL's official site and YouTube channel carry short clips worldwide. Full free highlights of the kind Sky streams on YouTube for The Hundred do not exist for the IPL in the UK. Be wary of any site offering free IPL streams; they are unlicensed and the usual carriers of malware.

Watching Elsewhere

In India the IPL is on the Star Sports network and streamed on JioHotstar. In the United States and Canada it is on Willow TV; in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo. A UK subscriber travelling in the EU can use Sky Go under the portability rules, but not outside Europe.

Beyond 2027

The Sky deal runs to the end of the 2027 season. Nothing has been announced for 2028 onwards, and claims on some listings sites that the deal extends to 2028 do not match Sky's own announcement. We will update this page when the next rights cycle is awarded.

While You Watch

If the season has you wanting a shirt, our guide to cricket shirts in the UK covers what we hold across the franchises, and the IPL mystery box is the cheapest way to an official one. The season calendar is in our guide to when the IPL season starts.

FAQs: Watching the IPL in the UK

Where can I watch the IPL in the UK? Sky Sports Cricket, and on NOW with a Sports membership. Sky holds exclusive UK rights through 2027.

Can I watch the IPL for free in the UK? No. There is no free-to-air broadcaster and no official free highlights service. The cheapest legal option is a £14.99 NOW day pass.

What time is the IPL on in the UK? 3pm for evening matches and 11am for weekend afternoon games during British Summer Time.

Is the IPL on Sky Sports in 2027? Yes. The current deal covers the 2027 season. Nothing is announced beyond it.

How much does Sky Sports cost for the IPL? From £27.99 a month on a six-month NOW saver, £34.99 for a rolling month, or £14.99 for a single day.

Sources

The four-year rights deal is announced by Sky Sports, 20 March 2024. Channels and international broadcasters for 2026 are from Wisden, 31 March 2026. Prices are from Goal's Sky Sports price guide, October 2026.