The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to bring cricket fans around the world together, and for those in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), E& (formerly Etisalat Group) is the go-to platform to catch all the action. As the official broadcaster for the tournament in MENA, E& will show every match live on its TV channel, CricLife Max, and its streaming partner, StarzPlay. This guide explains how to watch, subscription options, key matches, and tips to fix any issues.
Why Choose E&?
- Ad-Free Viewing: Watch matches without interruptions on CricLife Max and StarzPlay.
- Exclusive Content: Get behind-the-scenes footage and player interviews on StarzON.
- Global Backup: If you miss a match, you can watch it later on ICC.tv.
E&’s Role as MENA’s Official Broadcaster
E& has the exclusive rights to broadcast all 15 matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in MENA. Matches will be shown on CricLife Max (TV) and StarzPlay (streaming), ensuring fans in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other MENA countries don’t miss a moment.
Hybrid Hosting Model
The 2025 tournament will be hosted in Pakistan (Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi) and Dubai, UAE. Due to political tensions, all India matches, including the India vs. Pakistan game on February 23, will be played in Dubai, making it easier for MENA fans to watch.
How to Watch on E&
Subscription Plans
- CricLife Max: Available on Etisalat’s cable network. Check your local TV guide for the channel number.
- StarzPlay: Stream matches online. Plans start at $9.99/month, with a 7-day free trial for new users.
Tournament Pass vs. Monthly Plans
- Tournament Pass: Pay $25 to watch all matches.
- Monthly Plan: Pay $9.99/month for access to all cricket events on StarzPlay.
Device Compatibility
Watch on:
- Smart TVs: Download the StarzPlay app on Samsung, LG, or Android TV.
- Mobile/Tablet: Use the StarzPlay app on iOS or Android.
- Web Browsers: Stream directly on StarzPlay’s website.
- Etisalat Set-Top Boxes: Integrated access for subscribers.
Key Matches to Watch on E& in 2025
India vs. Pakistan (Feb 23, Dubai) – The Decade’s Biggest Rivalry
Dubbed the “Match of the Tournament,” this clash is expected to draw 2.5 billion+ viewers globally. With India’s Rohit Sharma and Pakistan’s Babar Azam leading their teams, expect fireworks at the Dubai International Stadium.
Semi-Finals & Final Schedule
- Semi-Final 1: March 4 (Dubai)
- Semi-Final 2: March 5 (Lahore)
- Final: March 9 (Dubai, if India qualifies; otherwise Lahore) .
Troubleshooting Common Streaming Issues
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions with VPNs
For expats or travelers, use NordVPN to set your location to a MENA country and access StarzPlay. This workaround ensures uninterrupted streaming .
Buffering Fixes & Optimal Internet Speeds
- Minimum speed: 5 Mbps for HD streaming.
- Close background apps and use a wired connection for stability.
Is CricLife Max free with Etisalat subscriptions?
CricLife Max is included in select Etisalat cable packages. Contact your provider for details.
Can I watch replays on StarzPlay?
Yes! StarzPlay offers match replays and highlights within 24 hours of live broadcasts .
| Licensee | Territories | Linear Channels | App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney + HotStar | India+ (also available in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives) | Star Sports Network, Disney+Hotstar | Disney+Hotstar |
| PTV Sports | Pakistan | PTV Sports | Myco |
| Ten Sports | Pakistan | Ten Sports | Tamasha |
| TSM | Bangladesh | Nagorik TV, T Sports | Toffee |
| E& | MENA | CricLife Max | StarzON, StarzPlay |
| Sky Sports | UK & Northern Ireland | Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event | Sky Sports |
| SuperSport | Sub-Saharan Africa | SS Cricket | SuperSport, DSTV |
| Willow | USA & Canada | Willow TV (USA & Canada), Willow Xtra (USA only) | Willow TV, CricBuzz |
| ESPN Caribbean | Caribbean Islands | ESPN Caribbean | ESPN Play Caribbean |
| Amazon | Australia | – | Prime Video |
| Sky TV NZ | New Zealand | Sky Sport 1, Sky Sport 3 | Sky Sport Now, Sky Go |
| Maharaja TV | Sri Lanka | TV1 | icc.tv |
| Ariana TV | Afghanistan | ATN | icc.tv |
| PNG Digicel | Papua New Guinea | TVWAN Action | icc.tv |
| ICC | ROW (Rest of the World) | – | icc.tv |
How to Watch ICC Champions Trophy for Free?
Great news for cricket fans! You can stream the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy for free on these platforms:
🇧🇩 Bangladesh – Toffee (free)
🇦🇺 Australia – Prime Video (free with 30-day trial)
🇨🇦 Canada – Willow
🇮🇳 India – JioStar, Hotstar
🇳🇿 New Zealand – Sky TV NZ
🇵🇰 Pakistan – Tamasha (free), PTV Sports (free)
🇬🇧 UK – Sky Sports
🇺🇸 USA – Willow, Sling TV
With E&’s robust streaming infrastructure and MENA-focused coverage, cricket fans won’t miss a single boundary or wicket in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Tune in, gear up, and let the games begin!
