The Vijay Hazare Trophy matches delivered high quality cricket as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma showcased their class in one day cricket. Their performances reminded fans why their legacies remain unmatched, drawing strong attention from viewers across the country.
Despite the excitement, the BCCI chose not to livestream these matches for fans. While Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma batted in their familiar styles, supporters were left without official access to watch their favourite players in action.
Reports suggested confusion within the board a day earlier, with mixed updates on streaming plans. Eventually, a decision was taken not to make the matches available for public livestreaming, which disappointed a large section of fans.
The situation escalated when a fan livestreamed Mumbai’s match using a mobile phone from Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The BCCI promptly took down the stream and issued a copyright strike against the channel.
This move further angered fans, who questioned the logic behind stopping independent streams. Many argued that if the board was unwilling to livestream the game, others should not be restricted from doing so.
From a revenue perspective, the decision also appeared costly. The ‘smartphone livestream’ attracted over 15,000 viewers within minutes, mainly to watch Rohit Sharma’s elegant stroke play.
The episode highlights the need for greater focus on domestic cricket. Supporting and promoting tournaments like the Vijay Hazare Trophy is essential if Indian cricket is to grow beyond franchise driven popularity.
