The 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, a global cricket extravaganza, is upon us! This year’s tournament is a double header hosted by the UAE and Oman, where sixteen nations are battling for the coveted title. The tournament commenced on October 17th in Oman and is set to culminate with the final in Dubai on November 14th. With a packed schedule of 45 matches played across four venues, the T20 World Cup offers a thrilling spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. If you’re wondering how to catch all the action live, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to watch the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, whether you’re in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other part of the world. Get ready to witness the incredible skill and fierce competition as some of the best cricketers in the world go head-to-head.
T20 World Cup 2021 Schedule: A Glimpse into the Action
The 2021 T20 World Cup follows a two-stage format, with the first round featuring 12 matches in two groups of four. These matches, played across Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Sharjah, determine which teams advance to the Super 12. The Super 12 phase pits eight teams – the top four from the first round and the top eight teams directly qualifying – against each other in two groups of six. This stage is set to be an intense battle as teams fight for their place in the semi-finals. The Super 12 matches will take place in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The tournament culminates with the two semi-finals and the final, with the latter scheduled for November 14th in Dubai.
First Round: A Race to the Super 12
The first round of the 2021 T20 World Cup commenced on October 17th and concluded on October 22nd. This initial stage saw matches played in Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Sharjah, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the Super 12.
Warming Up for the Super 12
Prior to the Super 12, eight warm-up matches were played between October 18th and October 20th. These matches, while non-competitive, provided valuable practice for the teams and a chance for players to get into match form before the tournament’s main stage.
Super 12: The Heart of the Tournament
The Super 12 stage, the most intense part of the tournament, began on October 23rd and continued until November 8th. This phase witnessed an incredible display of skill and strategy, as teams battled it out to claim their spots in the semi-finals. The matches in this stage were played in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, and the top four teams from each group progressed to the knockouts.
Semi-Finals: Two Steps from Glory
The semi-finals, held on November 10th and 11th, were played in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These knockouts brought the tournament down to its final four, each team driven by the desire to reach the final match.
Final: The Ultimate Showdown
The final match, the culmination of a month of intense competition, was held on November 14th in Dubai. Two teams, the survivors of the knockout stages, battled for the coveted title – the champion of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Watching the T20 World Cup 2021 in India
For those in India, the T20 World Cup matches kicked off at either 3:30 pm or 7:30 pm IST, similar to the timing of the recent Indian Premier League. Just like with the IPL, the exclusive streaming rights for the 2021 T20 World Cup in India lie with Disney+ Hotstar. You can enjoy every match, from the group stages to the final, on this platform.
To access the live stream, you will need a Disney+ Hotstar subscription. If you’ve already subscribed, you’re all set to enjoy the tournament. However, if you’re new to Disney+ Hotstar, be aware that its sports-focused plans have become more expensive. The Disney+ Hotstar Mobile plan is priced at Rs. 499 per year, allowing you to stream on your phone only.
For those who prefer watching on their TV or laptop, you’ll need the Disney+ Hotstar Super plan, which costs Rs. 899 per year. The Disney+ Hotstar Premium plan, priced at Rs. 1,499 per year, offers a higher resolution (4K) and the ability to stream on four devices simultaneously, but it’s unnecessary as the 2021 T20 World Cup won’t be broadcast in 4K.
In addition to streaming, every match from the 2021 T20 World Cup is broadcast on Star India’s bouquet of channels, including Star Sports and its local language affiliates – Star Sports Hindi, Star Sports Tamil, Star Sports Telugu, and Star Sports Kannada.
Beyond India: Catching the Action Worldwide
Cricket enthusiasts around the world can enjoy the T20 World Cup through various official broadcasters. The International Cricket Council (ICC) provides a comprehensive list of broadcasting partners on the T20 World Cup website.
Pakistan: Pakistan’s Cricket Fever
In Pakistan, the 2021 T20 World Cup live stream is available on the Daraz app. You can also catch the matches on TV channels like PTV Sports and Asports, depending on the fixture.
Bangladesh: Cricket Passion Runs High
In Bangladesh, the 2021 T20 World Cup is available online through platforms like Rabbithole, Bioscope, and MyGP. For those who prefer cable TV, GTV, T-Sports, and BTV will be your go-to destinations for the tournament.
Sri Lanka: A Nation of Cricket Lovers
Sri Lanka’s Siyatha TV is a key player, offering the live stream on its website and holding the TV telecast rights. Star Sports will also broadcast some matches.
Australia: The Land Down Under
Australians have access to the 2021 T20 World Cup through various streaming platforms such as Foxtel GO, Foxtel NOW, and Kayo Sports. On TV, Fox Cricket is the dedicated channel for the tournament.
New Zealand: Kiwis Get Their Cricket Fix
In New Zealand, the 2021 T20 World Cup live stream is available on Sky Go and Sky Sport Now. On TV, Sky Sport 3 will be the channel for Kiwi cricket fans.
South Africa: Cricket Enthusiasts Unite
South Africa’s SuperSport holds exclusive rights for the 2021 T20 World Cup. The tournament is accessible through SuperSport’s app, website, and the SuperSport Cricket TV channel.
A Global Cricket Feast: Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore
Hotstar, known as Disney+ Hotstar in Malaysia, is the official broadcaster for the T20 World Cup in Canada, Malaysia, and Singapore. In Malaysia and Singapore, viewers can also tune into Astro Cricket on TV. In Canada, Willow Canada is the dedicated channel for the tournament.
United States: American Cricket Fans Join the Party
In the United States, the 2021 T20 World Cup live stream is available on ESPN+. Following the closure of Disney-owned Hotstar in the US, its sporting rights have been merged with ESPN+. On TV, Willow will be the platform for American cricket enthusiasts.
The T20 World Cup: More Than Just Cricket
The T20 World Cup is not simply about the game on the field. It’s a global event that captivates millions of people, bringing together diverse cultures and shared passion for cricket. From the heart-stopping matches and the fierce rivalries to the celebratory atmosphere and the thrill of witnessing history unfolding, the T20 World Cup provides a unique experience. Whether you’re catching the action live, following it online, or discussing it with friends, the T20 World Cup is a festival of cricket that makes its mark on the world. Make sure to watch and revel in this exciting event that unites cricket fans from across the globe.
