How to Watch IPL in Pakistan: Legal Options Explained
If you are wondering how to watch IPL in Pakistan, the honest answer is that legal options are limited. No Pakistani TV channel has shown the Indian Premier League since the government banned its telecast in 2019, and during IPL 2026 there was no confirmed official streaming partner for viewers in Pakistan. You can still follow every match legally through official scores, commentary and highlights, and this guide explains how.
PK Portals is an independent information site and is not linked to the BCCI, the IPL, Tapmad or any broadcaster. The details below are based on official announcements and major news reports up to October 2026; broadcast deals can change before each season, so always check the rights holder’s own announcement.
Quick facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pakistani TV channel showing IPL | None since April 2019 |
| Last Pakistani TV broadcaster | Geo Super (IPL 2018) |
| Streaming in Pakistan | Tapmad advertised IPL rights for 2024 to 2027 but suspended coverage in May 2025 |
| IPL 2026 season | 28 March to 31 May 2026 |
| Usual match times | 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm PKT |
| Official IPL website | iplt20.com |
| Safe free option | Live scores and ball-by-ball text commentary |
Why IPL is not on Pakistani TV
For several seasons, Pakistani fans watched the IPL on local channels. In 2018, for example, the IPL listed Geo Super as its broadcaster for Pakistan. That changed on 2 April 2019, when the then federal information minister announced after a cabinet meeting that IPL matches would no longer be telecast in Pakistan, and PEMRA was asked to enforce the decision.
Since then, no Pakistani TV channel has aired the league. The situation for online streaming has also been unstable, as explained below.
IPL streaming in Pakistan: what happened with Tapmad
Tapmad, a Pakistani sports streaming platform, publicly announced in February 2024 that it had secured IPL rights for 2024 to 2027. It streamed part of IPL 2025, but on 3 May 2025, amid tension between the two countries, it suspended IPL coverage in Pakistan. This came a day after Indian platforms stopped showing the PSL.
Reports during IPL 2026 said there was no official broadcaster for Pakistan. Before the next season, check Tapmad’s official app or website, and Pakistani sports channels, for any confirmed announcement. Only trust news that comes from the platform itself or a major news outlet.
Legal ways to follow IPL from Pakistan
Even without a live video stream, you can keep up with every ball through these official and lawful options:
- Official IPL website and app: iplt20.com and the official IPL app show fixtures, live scorecards, points tables and match reports.
- Score and commentary apps: Established cricket sites such as ESPNcricinfo carry free ball-by-ball text commentary, live scores and post-match analysis.
- Official highlights: The IPL publishes highlights and clips on its website and official social media channels. Availability can vary by country, so if a video is blocked in Pakistan, do not look for pirated copies.
- News channels and sports shows: Pakistani sports news programmes and newspapers report IPL results, especially when Pakistani-origin or overseas players are in focus.
- Licensed platform, if announced: If a Pakistani rights holder is confirmed for a future season, subscribe through its official app only.
Watching IPL when you are travelling abroad
If you are outside Pakistan during the IPL, you can watch through the licensed broadcaster in that country. For IPL 2026, the main rights holders reported by major outlets were:
| Country or region | Official broadcaster (IPL 2026) |
|---|---|
| India | Star Sports, with streaming on JioHotstar |
| United Kingdom and Ireland | Sky Sports |
| USA | Willow TV |
| Australia | Fox Cricket, with streaming on Kayo Sports |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport |
| South Africa | SuperSport |
| Selected Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain) | Cricbuzz app streaming |
| Many other countries | YuppTV |
These rights are country-specific and change from season to season, so confirm with the broadcaster before you pay for a subscription. Using a VPN to get around a country restriction usually breaks the platform’s terms of use.
IPL match timings in Pakistan
India Standard Time is 30 minutes ahead of Pakistan Standard Time. IPL afternoon games usually start at 3:30 pm IST, which is 3:00 pm PKT, and evening games start at 7:30 pm IST, which is 7:00 pm PKT. The toss takes place about 30 minutes before the first ball.
Why you should avoid pirate IPL streams
- Legal risk: Unlicensed streams break copyright, and sharing or reselling them can lead to action under Pakistani law.
- Malware and data theft: Fake streaming apps and sites often push harmful downloads, pop-ups and fake login pages that steal phone numbers, passwords or wallet details.
- Fake subscription offers: Be careful of social media pages selling IPL packages for a small fee through JazzCash or Easypaisa. Legitimate platforms sell subscriptions inside their own official apps.
- Poor quality: Pirate streams lag, freeze and are often taken down mid-match.
Related guides
- IPL winners list from 2008 to 2026
- PSL teams and owners explained
- Pakistan vs India head to head record
- More trending topics in Pakistan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IPL shown on any TV channel in Pakistan?
No. The federal government banned IPL telecasts in April 2019, and no Pakistani TV channel has shown the league since then.
Can I watch IPL on Tapmad?
Tapmad announced IPL rights for 2024 to 2027 but suspended IPL coverage in Pakistan in May 2025. Check its official app before the season for the current position.
Can I watch IPL on JioHotstar in Pakistan?
JioHotstar streams IPL for viewers in India. Its coverage is restricted to India, so it is not an official option in Pakistan.
What time do IPL matches start in Pakistan?
Usually at 3:00 pm PKT for afternoon games and 7:00 pm PKT for evening games, as India is 30 minutes ahead of Pakistan.
Where can I see IPL scores and highlights legally?
Use the official IPL website and app for live scores, and the IPL’s official channels for highlights where they are available in Pakistan.
Is it safe to use free IPL streaming apps?
No. Unofficial apps are illegal to use for pirated content and often carry malware or scams that target your personal and wallet data.
Last updated: 18 October 2026. Broadcast and streaming rights can change before each IPL season, so check the official announcements of the IPL and licensed platforms for the latest position.
