In 2026 cricket has officially moved from the sidelines to the spotlight in the USA. With Willow by Cricbuzz and Sling TV leading the charge fans no longer have to hunt for grainy, illegal streams to watch the world’s best athletes. Whether it’s the high-stakes drama of the T20 World Cup or the fast-paced action of Major League Cricket the digital infrastructure is now built for 4K clarity, zero latency and instant accessibility on any device.
This isn’t just about watching a game; it’s about joining a global movement. The 2026 landscape offers unprecedented flexibility, from Willow’s DTC model for pure cricket junkies to the free legal broadcasts of Team USA matches designed to grow the sport domestically. This year marks the death of the “cable requirement,” giving every fan the power to customize their viewing experience through high-value subscription plans or ad-supported free tiers.
Don’t let a slow connection or a bad app ruin a last-ball finish. By choosing the right platform be it the feature-rich JioHotstar merger for international fans or the reliable Sling Desi Binge package you’re securing a front-row seat to history. From the first ball of the IPL to the T20 World Cup Final, the power to stream the “Gentleman’s Game” is now firmly in the palm of your hand.
Key Hillights:
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The Big Players: Why Willow by Cricbuzz is the 2026 gold standard for US cricket fans.
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Budget Hacks: How to use Sling TV and ESPN+ bundles to save over 30% on subscription costs.
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The Free Route: Where to find 100% legal, free streams for the USA National Team and marquee world events.
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Global Access: How to navigate the JioHotstar merger in India and Sky Sports requirements in the UK.
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Tech Optimization: Tips for Chromecast, 4K streaming, and avoiding buffering during peak match times like India vs. Pakistan.
Top-Rated Cricket Streaming Apps in USA (2026 Rankings)
Finding the best way to watch cricket in the United States used to be a challenge, but 2026 has changed the game. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka and the explosive growth of Major League Cricket (MLC), fans in the USA now have more premium, high-definition options than ever before.
Whether you are looking for a dedicated subscription, a budget-friendly bundle, or even a legal free stream for Team USA matches, this guide breaks down the absolute best apps to watch cricket live in the USA for 2026.
Willow by Cricbuzz The Undisputed Leader
Willow by Cricbuzz remains the premier destination for cricket enthusiasts in North America. For 2026, the platform has overhauled its interface to provide a buffering-free streaming experience essential for high-stakes matches like India vs. Pakistan.
It holds the exclusive digital broadcasting rights for the entire T20 World Cup, IPL 2026, and all MLC fixtures.
For fans who prefer mobile viewing, the Download Willow TV app process is seamless on both iOS and Android, offering multi-device support and Chromecast compatibility. The 2026 version includes a “Willow DTC” (Direct-to-Consumer) model, allowing you to bypass cable providers entirely.
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Live Coverage: Every match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 and IPL 2026.
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Hindi Commentary: Dedicated Hindi commentary feed available on the “Willow 2” channel.
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Price Points: $9.99/month or a discounted Annual Pass at $79.99/year.
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Bonus Content: Integrated ball-by-ball commentary and live match highlights via Cricbuzz.
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Unique Feature: Creator-led alternate streams featuring Jomboy Media for select marquee matches.
Willow by Cricbuzz is the most comprehensive option for those wanting every major tournament under one roof.
Sling TV – Best for Multi-Channel Sports Fans
If you are looking for cord-cutting solutions that offer more than just cricket, Sling TV is the top contender. By subscribing to the “Desi Binge Plus” or “Dakshin Flex” packages, you get Willow HD along with a suite of other South Asian entertainment channels. This is often the cheapest way to watch cricket in USA when you consider the bundled value.
Sling TV is particularly popular because it offers a Sling TV cricket package that includes SonyLIV and Simply South, perfect for watching domestic Indian matches and regional cinema. In 2026, they have also introduced “Sling Freestream,” which occasionally hosts free cricket matches today for casual viewers.
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Package Deals: “Desi Binge Plus” starts at just $10 for the first month.
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Versatility: Works on Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV with a single login.
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DVR Support: Record live matches to watch later, perfect for time-zone differences.
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Legal Access: 100% legal streaming with high-quality HD feeds.
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Promotions: Frequent Willow TV promo code 2026 offers are available through Sling.
Sling TV bridges the gap between a dedicated sports app and a full home entertainment system.
Myco & ESPN+ The Emerging Contenders
For 2026, Myco has emerged as a disruptive force, especially for fans with a global perspective. While Willow dominates the US, Myco has secured rights for various associate nation matches and select T20 World Cup feeds.
Meanwhile, ESPN+ continues to hold its ground by broadcasting the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and New Zealand home internationals.
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ESPN+ Schedule: Best for New Zealand and West Indies home series.
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Myco Innovation: A Web3-integrated platform that often features niche tournaments.
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Alternative Feeds: Great for finding matches not covered by the “Big Two” (Willow/Sling).
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Affordability: ESPN+ remains a low-cost add-on for existing Disney Bundle subscribers.
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Niche Focus: Ideal for following the USA Cricket national team in smaller qualifying events.
These apps are perfect secondary options to ensure you never miss a single ball of international cricket.
Comparison: Cricket Streaming Costs & Features 2026
Choosing the right app depends on your budget and which tournaments you prioritize. The table below compares the top-tier subscription plans currently available for US residents.
USA Cricket Streaming Comparison 2026
| App Name | Monthly Cost | Free Trial? | Key Tournaments | 4K / HD Support |
| Willow by Cricbuzz | $9.99 | No (Annual Save) | T20 World Cup, IPL, MLC | 4K Ultra HD |
| Sling TV (Desi Binge) | $15 ($10 promo) | Via 1-Day Pass | Willow Content + SonyLIV | Full HD |
| ESPN+ | $10.99 | No | CPL, NZ Home Series | Full HD |
| YouTube Primetime | $9.99 | No | All Willow Channels | Full HD |
Selecting the right plan ensures you get the best value while maintaining HD video quality.
How to Watch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in USA
In the United States, fans can watch all 55 matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 live on Willow TV, which provides comprehensive coverage in both English and Hindi. Everything you need to know about watching the T20 World Cup on Willow TV This video provides a practical guide on how to access Willow TV across different devices and platforms to ensure you don’t miss any World Cup action.
Official Broadcast Schedule & Channels
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is the biggest event of the year, running from February 7 to March 8. In the USA, Willow TV is the official exclusive broadcaster. For fans wanting to Watch T20 World Cup 2026 live USA, every one of the 55 matches is available through the Willow app or Willow’s linear cable channel.
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Full Tournament: All 55 matches available in English and Hindi.
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Peak Matches: High-priority matches like USA vs India and India vs Pakistan receive “Ultra HD” treatment.
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Expert Analysis: Pre-match and post-match shows featuring former international captains.
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Global Access: If traveling, fans often use a VPN for cricket to access their home Willow stream.
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Streaming Stability: Dedicated servers for 2026 ensure no lag during final overs.
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic moment for US cricket with 20 teams competing for the trophy.
How to Stream Team USA Matches for FREE
In a massive win for the local fan base, Willow has announced that all Team USA group stage matches will be available for free. This is a strategic move to grow the sport domestically ahead of the LA28 Olympics. You can find these free streams on the Willow Sports FAST channel and the official Willow YouTube handle.
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Free Platforms: Willow Sports (FAST), YouTube, and the Cricbuzz App.
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Key Matchup: USA vs India on February 7 is the headline free-to-air event.
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No Subscription Needed: No credit card or login required for these specific matches.
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Engagement: Alternate commentary by Jomboy Media is also available for free on YouTube.
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Accessibility: Available on any device with the YouTube app or a web browser.
Offering free access to Team USA matches is a game-changer for attracting new American fans to the sport.
Regional Guides: UK and India Streaming
For those without a traditional cable subscription, the service is easily accessible through Sling TV via the Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans, or as a standalone Willow DTC offering.
Notably, a historic partnership has made every Team USA group stage match available to stream for free on Willow’s official YouTube channel and their FAST streaming platform.
Additionally, specialized alternate commentary feeds, such as those from popular creator Jomboy, are available for marquee matchups like USA vs. India to enhance the viewing experience for American audiences.
UK Fans (Sky Sports & NOW)
For our readers in the United Kingdom, the landscape is dominated by Sky Sports. To watch the T20 World Cup or the England vs India Test Series 2026, Sky Sports Cricket is the essential home. Fans can also use the NOW Sports Day Pass for a flexible, contract-free way to catch the fixtures.
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Primary Home: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.
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Mobile Streaming: Use the Sky Go app for viewing on the move.
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The Hundred: Domestic UK fans can watch The Hundred 2026 live on BBC iPlayer for free.
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County Cricket: Most County Championship matches are streamed free via team YouTube channels.
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Radio: Test Match Special (TMS) on BBC Sounds remains the gold standard for audio commentary.
Indian Fans (The JioHotstar Era)
In India, the 2024 merger has culminated in the JioHotstar platform becoming the ultimate cricket destination. Whether you want to watch T20 World Cup 2026 in India or catch the latest IPL action this app offers revolutionary features like a “vertical live feed” for mobile users and a “360-view” for an immersive stadium experience.
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All-in-One App: Access both Star Sports linear content and JioCinema’s digital innovations.
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Language Diversity: Matches are available in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.
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Interactive Features: Multi-cam POV shots allow you to watch from the “Hero Cam” or “Stump Cam.”
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Free Access: Following previous trends, many marquee events remain free for mobile-only users in India.
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Offline Viewing: High-speed downloads for match highlights and full replays.
FAQs
What is the best app to watch cricket live in the USA for 2026?
Willow by Cricbuzz is widely considered the best due to its exclusive rights to the T20 World Cup, IPL, and MLC.
Can I watch the T20 World Cup 2026 for free in the USA?
Yes, all four of Team USA’s group stage matches are available for free on Willow’s YouTube channel and their FAST streaming service.
Is Disney+ Hotstar still available in the USA for cricket?
No, Disney+ Hotstar ceased its US operations; however, much of its content has been absorbed into the Sling TV Desi Binge and Willow platforms.
How can I watch Major League Cricket (MLC) 2026?
MLC is primarily broadcast on Willow TV, with select regional matches available on local sports networks like YES Network or NBC Sports.
Does ESPN+ still broadcast international cricket matches?
Yes, ESPN+ remains the home for West Indies home matches, the CPL, and select New Zealand home series.
Conclusion
The “best” app depends entirely on your fan profile. If you are a die-hard supporter who wants every international and domestic league match, Willow by Cricbuzz is the only logical choice. If you are a cord-cutter who enjoys a variety of Indian entertainment along with your sports, Sling TV’s Desi Binge Plus offers the best value for money.
For the casual observer simply wanting to support the local boys, the free streams for Team USA on YouTube are a fantastic entry point. No matter which you choose, 2026 is officially the most accessible year in history for cricket fans in the United States.