If you are a cricket lover and a streaming lover too—like me—then you must have heard of ICC.tv. I have used ICC.tv and I am here to make everything you need to know about this service crystal clear. This guide will answer all your questions about the service, whether you are a die-hard follower of the game or just getting into it.
What is ICC.tv?
ICC.tv is the official streaming platform of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body for cricket. As the one-stop destination for international cricket content, ICC.tv offers access to live matches, highlights, exclusive shows, and behind-the-scenes content directly to your devices. Their goal is to make cricket available to fans worldwide, no matter where they are or what device they use.
Key Features of ICC.tv
- Live Streaming: The service provides access to live coverage of most major ICC events, including the ICC WTC Final, ICC Men’s & Women’s T20 World Cup, U19 World Cups, and selected international tours and domestic leagues.
- On Demand Content: Missed some matches? You can catch up with full match replays, highlights, and special features at your leisure.
- Exclusive Shows: ICC.tv creates new programming such as documentaries, interviews, and ICC Cricket 360°, an original flagship magazine show that allows fans to go behind the scenes of the sport and of its stars.
- Free Membership: You can register free of charge and view almost all the content without any cost. But select live matches as well as premium content will need a pay-per-view pass or subscription, depending on your region and the event.
- Device Compatibility: ICC.tv operates seamlessly across smartphones, tablets, desktops, and even supports casting to your TV through Chromecast and AirPlay. So, you can catch cricket on the go.
- Easy-to-use Interface: Easy navigation through the platform enables you to search for live matches, highlights, or your favorite teams and players way faster than you could elsewhere.
How to Sign Up and Use ICC.tv
Getting started with ICC.tv is simple:
Visit the Website or Download the App: Go to the ICC.tv website or download their app on your iOS or Android device.
Sign Up For Free: Click on any of the video content or the sign-up button to create a free account. You’ll need an email and a new password.
After registering, you will be able to explore live matches, highlights, and exclusive shows.
I find the registration very simple, and I like that I get a great deal of content before having to input payment details.
What Can You Watch on ICC.tv?
ICC.tv has a pretty solid content library — particularly if you love watching international cricket. Here’s what you can expect:
- Major ICC Events: Enjoy live and on-demand telecasts of the most popular tournaments, including the ICC World Test Championship Final, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, ICC Women’s World Cup, and U19 World Cups.
- International Tours: Australia tour of Pakistan, India tour of South Africa, The Ashes (men & women)
- Domestic Leagues: Some domestic tournaments, including the Pakistan Super League, are included as well.
- Special Programming: Magazine shows, documentaries, Hall of Fame ceremonies, and ICC Awards.
- Highlights and replays: You can rewatch the best moments or watch the entire replay if you missed it live.
A great thing is the variety in content—there is something for everyone, whether you want to watch the latest game or delve into the history of cricket.
Availability and Regional Restrictions
While ICC.tv aims to be a worldwide cricket streaming platform, the availability of content will depend on the country you are in because of broadcasting rights. For instance, exclusive rights holders in a country might block access to certain live matches. However, ICC.tv is available throughout Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Pacific, and parts of South America.
If you do not know what is available in your country, head to ICC.tv website or app to confirm. I have noticed that while live matches may be blocked often, the highlights and on-demand content usually remain available.
Subscription and Payment Options
- Free Access: Registration is free, and a lot of content (like highlights, interviews, and magazine shows) is available at no cost.
- Pay-Per-View and Subscriptions: For certain live events, especially major finals or tournaments, you may need to purchase a pay-per-view pass or subscribe. Prices vary depending on the event and your location.
- Payment Methods: ICC.tv accepts major credit/debit cards and digital wallets, making it easy to pay from almost anywhere.
I appreciate that ICC.tv offers a lot of value for free, but if you want to watch every ball live, you will need to eventually pay.
Technical features and user experience
- Different Camera Angle: In some games you can view the match in different camera angles and see the game from a different perspective.
- HD Streaming: The platform offers HD streaming, and you can adjust the quality according to your internet connection.
- Casting support: You can stream matches on your TV using Chromecast or AirPlay, which is a huge plus if you like watching on a big screen.
- Alerts and Updates: Get notifications about upcoming matches and results by following your favorite teams and players.
- Interactive Features: You get real-time stats, commentary options, and even social media integration for some events.
The app and website have been smooth for me, but I’ve experienced a bit of buffering during peak times. It has an intuitive interface, and I can usually find the content I want with little trouble.
Advantages and Disadvantages: To Be Frank
Here are the pros and cons I like and dislike at ICC.tv after using for a while:
Pros:
- Plenty of content is available for free.
- Live and on-demand cricket games from different outlets.
- Behind-the-scenes videos and exclusive shows.
- Usability and Device Compatibility.
- High-quality video streaming.
Cons:
- Despite being a paid service, it still has its own fair share of restrictions, and it means that live matches may be blocked in some countries.
- Pay-per-view events can be expensive relative to other sports streaming services.
- Streaming issues or app bugs during high traffic events.
- No coverage of other sports, cricket only.
Overall, I think ICC.tv is great for cricket fans, especially if you want international matches and some special ICC content. It can be a little annoying with the regional restriction here and there, but that’s an industry-wide issue, not just ICC.tv.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ICC.tv free?
Yes, registration is free, and a lot of content is available without payment. Some live matches or premium content may require a subscription or pay-per-view pass.
Can I watch ICC.tv anywhere in the world?
ICC.tv is available in most regions, but live content may be restricted in countries with exclusive broadcast deals.
What devices can I use?
You can watch ICC.tv on smartphones, tablets, and desktops and cast to your TV using Chromecast or AirPlay.
Do I need a fast internet connection?
A stable internet connection is recommended for smooth HD streaming, but you can lower the video quality if your connection is slow.
Can I watch past matches?
Yes, ICC.tv offers replays and highlights of past matches.
Final Thoughts
ICC.tv is a must-try for any cricket fan. It offers a mix of live action, original content, and access to matches on demand, and you have a great way to keep up with the world of cricket. There are some caveats to be sure — like region restrictions and inevitable paywalls — but still, it is a net positive experience.
Before you go, read about Shami’s appeal to ICC to lift the saliva ban. Also, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest gossip.
Sources:
- www.icc-cricket.com/about/broadcast/icc-tv
- www.ask.com/lifestyle/unlocking-world-icc-live-streaming-comprehensive-overview
All images from icc-cricket.com