Everyone’s searching these platforms for IPL 2025 — but only one really delivers. Here’s our test result.
With IPL 2025 in full swing, countless fans are scouring the internet for ways to “watch IPL for free.” Among the numerous platforms claiming to offer free viewing, “Bappam, Hianime, NetMirror, and JioHotstar” have garnered significant attention. We conducted practical tests on the first three trending search websites and comprehensively compared the results with JioHotstar, the only legitimate IPL broadcaster, to unveil the truth and help you avoid falling into traps. Which platform is truly trustworthy? After reading this review, you’ll know for sure.
Why Are These Sites Trending for IPL 2025?
Recent Google Trends data shows a surge in search interest for keywords like “Bappam,” “Hianime,” and “NetMirror.” This trend is likely fueled by online communities. Unverified information or misleading videos circulating on platforms like TikTok and Reddit claim these sites offer free IPL live streams, attracting a large number of users eager for free viewing options.
However, JioHotstar (which provides services through the JioCinema app within India), the officially licensed IPL broadcasting platform, is less frequently searched by these users looking for “free” resources, likely due to potential regional restrictions. This information asymmetry creates an opportunity for illegal or ineffective platforms to capitalize on the situation.
Bappam Review – Just Hype or Real Stream?
We first visited Bappam.tv (or .one whatever), a site that has been widely discussed online recently. The website’s interface is simple but riddled with numerous advertisements, a common characteristic of illegal streaming platforms.
However, when we searched Bappam.tv for keywords like “IPL” or “Cricket,” we were disappointed to find no live streams or video content related to the Indian Premier League. This clearly indicates that Bappam.tv is not associated with IPL matches and appears to be a website offering other types of video content, with its trending search likely piggybacking on the IPL’s popularity to attract traffic.
Hianime.to – A Cricket-Free Anime Zone
Next, we tested Hianime.to, another platform that has attracted significant search attention. As its name suggests, Hianime.to is a website dedicated to providing anime content, with its pages filled with various animated videos and related information.
After careful browsing, we confirmed that Hianime.to is purely an anime video platform unrelated to sports live streaming. Its appearance in the IPL trending search list likely stems from some users’ confusion due to the name, mistakenly believing it to be a platform offering sports events, or from malicious pushes or phishing links. For users wanting to watch IPL, Hianime.to is definitely not the correct choice.
NetMirror – Streaming Reality Check
Finally, we examined the NetMirror platform. NetMirror’s website content appears scattered, and while some video streams are visible, we found no live or recorded IPL matches.
More concerningly, NetMirror’s pages contain numerous redirect links and suspicious advertising pages, which are common characteristics of high-risk, unauthorized streaming websites. Using such platforms not only makes it likely that you won’t find the content you’re looking for but also exposes you to the risk of personal data breaches or malware infections. Therefore, we strongly advise against using NetMirror to watch any sporting events.
JioHotstar – The Only Legit IPL Streaming Option
In contrast to the above three platforms, JioHotstar (which provides services through the JioCinema app within India) is the only officially authorized platform legally providing live streams of IPL 2025 matches.
JioHotstar partners directly with the IPL to offer high-definition live streams of all matches, ensuring a stable and clear viewing experience. For users located in India, they can typically watch IPL matches for free by downloading the JioCinema app and logging in with a Jio account.
For users outside of India, while direct access to JioCinema may be subject to regional restrictions, some users might consider using VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology in conjunction with a valid Jio account to watch. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN may carry certain risks, and the viewing experience may vary depending on network conditions.
JioHotstar’s advantages lie in its legality, stable playback quality, and rich features such as multi-language commentary, real-time data, and more, providing users with a comprehensive viewing experience.
What’s the Verdict? Don’t Be Fooled by Hype
| Platform | Has IPL? | Usage Risk | Legality | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bappam.io |  | High | | Popular phishing site, no live content |
| Hianime.to | | Medium | | Pure anime site, unrelated to sports |
| NetMirror | | High | | High-risk mirror site, avoid using |
| JioHotstar | | Low | | The only legal, stable, high-quality option |
In conclusion, trending searches online do not always reflect genuine content. Bappam.io, Hianime.to, and NetMirror all failed to provide live streams of IPL 2025 in our tests, with NetMirror posing a higher risk to users. For fans wanting to watch IPL matches, JioHotstar (via the JioCinema app) is the only legal, stable, and trustworthy choice. Please exercise caution when browsing online information and avoid falling into illegal or ineffective platforms in pursuit of “free” content.
