Whether you are looking to watch a high-stakes Test match, a thrilling One-Day International (ODI), or a fast-paced Twenty20 (T20) match, finding the exact india vs new zealand tv channel can sometimes feel like solving a complex puzzle. With sports broadcasting rights frequently shifting, merging, and dividing based on who is hosting the series, cricket fans often struggle to know which button to press on their remote control.
If you are wondering which tv channel india vs new zealand is broadcasting on today, you have come to the right place. The short answer is: it depends entirely on where the match is being played.
- When India hosts New Zealand (BCCI Home Matches): You can watch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network on TV, and live stream the action on the JioHotstar app.
- When New Zealand hosts India (NZC Home Matches): The live TV broadcast is on the Sony Sports Network, and live streaming is available on the Sony LIV app.
- For ICC Tournaments (such as World Cups): The match is telecast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app.
In this ultimate guide, we will break down every single detail of the india vs new zealand broadcast channel landscape. We cover DTH channel numbers, streaming apps, global broadcasters (including USA, UK, Australia, and New Zealand), and historical context so you never miss a single boundary or wicket.
The Golden Rule of Cricket Broadcasting: Host Nations Matter
To understand india vs new zealand on which tv channel you can watch the game, you must first understand how cricket media rights are structured. Unlike global sports leagues with unified broadcast partners, bilateral cricket rights are sold individually by each country's respective cricket board.
Therefore, the india vs new zealand series broadcasting channel changes completely depending on which team is playing "at home."
If you search for the india vs new zealand 2022 tv channel, you might recall watching the series exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in India. That is because back in 2022, Amazon held the rights for New Zealand Cricket (NZC). However, the broadcasting map has evolved dramatically. Today, major network mergers and new long-term contracts have reshaped how we watch cricket on television.
Furthermore, searching for the india new zealand tv channel or trying to find india vs new zealand channel tv option online can lead to confusing and outdated recommendations. By focusing on whether it is a home series or an away series, you can easily save hours of frustration.
1. When India Hosts: The JioStar & Star Sports Era
When the Blackcaps tour India for a bilateral series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) media rights dictate the broadcast partners. Following the historic merger between Reliance (Viacom18) and Disney Star, a newly formed entity called JioStar controls the entire landscape of Indian home matches through 2028.
For matches played on Indian soil, the india vs new zealand tv broadcast is split seamlessly between linear television and digital streaming:
TV Broadcast Channel (India)
On television, the matches are broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. This includes high-definition (HD) and standard-definition (SD) options in multiple languages:
- English: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD
- Hindi: Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD
- Regional Languages (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada): Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu, Star Sports 1 Kannada.
(Note: The old Sports18 channels have been rebranded or integrated under the JioStar portfolio, making Star Sports the main home for television cricket fans). This means that if you are checking india vs new zealand on tv, you do not need to hunt for older regional cable channels; everything is streamlined under the Star Sports brand.
Digital Live Stream (India)
For those watching on smartphones, tablets, laptops, or smart TVs without a traditional cable subscription, the india vs new zealand live in which tv channel equivalent for streaming is the newly consolidated JioHotstar app and website (previously JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar). You can watch the live stream in stunning 4K, enjoy multi-cam angles, and choose your preferred commentary feed.
Channel Numbers for Star Sports on Popular DTH Operators
To make things incredibly easy for you, here are the exact channel numbers to watch the Star Sports network on India's top Direct-To-Home (DTH) operators:
- Tata Play (formerly Tata Sky):
- Star Sports 1 (SD): Channel 455
- Star Sports 1 HD: Channel 454
- Star Sports 1 Hindi (SD): Channel 460
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD: Channel 459
- Airtel Digital TV (Airtel DTH):
- Star Sports 1 (SD): Channel 277
- Star Sports 1 HD: Channel 278
- Star Sports 1 Hindi (SD): Channel 281
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD: Channel 282
- Dish TV:
- Star Sports 1 (SD): Channel 603
- Star Sports 1 HD: Channel 602
- Star Sports 1 Hindi (SD): Channel 607
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD: Channel 606
- Videocon d2h:
- Star Sports 1 (SD): Channel 401
- Star Sports 1 HD: Channel 925
- Star Sports 1 Hindi (SD): Channel 403
- Star Sports 1 Hindi HD: Channel 927
2. When New Zealand Hosts: The Sony Pictures Networks Era
When Team India travels to New Zealand for a bilateral tour, the dynamics shift completely. In early 2024, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) signed a landmark seven-year deal (running through April 2031) to broadcast all New Zealand-based international matches.
This means that for any bilateral matches played in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Hamilton, the new zealand vs india broadcasting channel in India is Sony, not Star or Jio.
If you find yourself searching india vs new zealand in which tv channel during an away tour, remember that Star Sports will not have the rights. You must switch over to SPNI.
TV Broadcast Channel (India)
The live action is telecast across the Sony Sports Network. Fans can tune in to the following channels:
- English Commentary: Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 5, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD
- Hindi Commentary: Sony Sports Ten 3, Sony Sports Ten 3 HD
- Regional Commentary: Sony Sports Ten 4, Sony Sports Ten 4 HD (covering Tamil and Telugu feeds)
Digital Live Stream (India)
If you prefer streaming, the match will be live-streamed exclusively on the Sony LIV app and website. You will need a premium Sony LIV subscription to catch the live coverage.
Channel Numbers for Sony Sports on Popular DTH Operators
Use this list to navigate straight to the action when India plays in New Zealand:
- Tata Play:
- Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD): Channel 471
- Sony Sports Ten 1 HD: Channel 470
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi SD): Channel 476
- Sony Sports Ten 3 HD: Channel 475
- Airtel Digital TV (Airtel DTH):
- Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD): Channel 285
- Sony Sports Ten 1 HD: Channel 286
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi SD): Channel 289
- Sony Sports Ten 3 HD: Channel 290
- Dish TV:
- Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD): Channel 611
- Sony Sports Ten 1 HD: Channel 610
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi SD): Channel 615
- Sony Sports Ten 3 HD: Channel 614
- Videocon d2h:
- Sony Sports Ten 1 (SD): Channel 411
- Sony Sports Ten 1 HD: Channel 930
- Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi SD): Channel 415
- Sony Sports Ten 3 HD: Channel 932
3. ICC Tournaments: Global Showdowns
When India and New Zealand lock horns on neutral ground during an ICC event—such as the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup, or the World Test Championship (WTC) Final—the broadcasting rights revert to the ICC's official media partner.
In India, the india vs new zealand tv broadcast for all ICC tournaments is held by the Star Sports Network on TV and JioHotstar on digital devices. During major world tournaments, the digital stream is often made available with free, ad-supported tiers on mobile devices to maximize viewership, though premium HD feeds with advanced analytical tools require a paid subscription.
For example, during the historic 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Final where India and New Zealand faced off in Ahmedabad for the world title, the broadcast setup reached record-breaking viewership across both Star Sports HD channels on TV and the JioHotstar app on mobile devices.
4. Global Broadcast Guide: How to Watch Outside India
Cricket is a global sport, and millions of fans residing in the diaspora want to know india vs new zealand in which tv channel is showing the game in their local country. Below is a comprehensive regional breakdown of the official broadcasters for the India vs New Zealand series:
New Zealand Market: The Return of Sky NZ
For local fans in New Zealand, domestic BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS matches are now broadcast exclusively on Sky Sport and streamed via Sky Go or Sky Sport Now. Sky NZ secured these domestic rights starting in the 2026-27 season, running through 2031-32, bringing bilateral home cricket back under their premium banner after a period of broadcasting on the free-to-air public service broadcaster TVNZ.
United States & Canada: Willow TV
If you are watching india vs new zealand on tv in the United States or Canada, Willow TV is your absolute go-to destination. Willow TV has dedicated linear channels on major satellite providers like DirecTV and Dish. Additionally, you can access the stream through popular OTT live TV packages:
- Sling TV: Offers a dedicated "Sling World Sports" pack that includes Willow TV.
- Fubo: Offers Willow TV in its sports add-ons, often featuring free trials for new subscribers.
United Kingdom & Europe: TNT Sports & Sky Sports
The india vs new zealand broadcast channel in the UK depends on the host country:
- When New Zealand hosts: The matches are usually broadcast live on TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) and streamed via the discovery+ app.
- When India hosts or for ICC events: The matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and streamed via the Sky Go app.
Australia: Fox Sports & Kayo Sports
In Australia, all international cricket featuring India and New Zealand is broadcast on Fox Sports (available on Foxtel). Cord-cutters can watch every delivery live and on-demand via the Kayo Sports streaming platform, which offers various subscription tiers and no long-term contracts.
South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
Fans based in South Africa can watch the entire bilateral series on the SuperSport network on TV, specifically on their dedicated cricket channels. Digital users can stream the games using the DSTV Stream app.
5. DTH Troubleshooting & Smart TV Setup Tips
To ensure you get the absolute best viewing experience when the next match starts, keep these essential setup tips in mind:
Upgrading to HD vs. SD Channels
Watching cricket in high definition is a game-changer. HD channels deliver a 1080i or 1080p picture format, letting you see the seam position of the ball, clean fielding setups, and fine edges. It also offers superior multi-channel audio, meaning the roar of the crowd and the sound of the ball hitting the bat will feel like you are sitting right in the stadium. If your television supports HD, make sure you are subscribing to the "HD" versions of Star Sports or Sony Sports Ten on your DTH box.
Overcoming Rain Fade and Signal Issues
Because DTH satellite dishes rely on a direct line-of-sight to orbiting satellites, heavy rain and storm clouds can cause temporary signal loss, often showing error messages like "No Signal" or "Error B001".
- Do not pan or move the dish yourself: This is a common mistake. The alignment is highly precise and requires a technician.
- Keep a backup streaming app ready: If your TV signal drops due to a monsoon or winter storm, quickly switch to your smartphone or tablet connected to your home Wi-Fi and open JioHotstar or Sony LIV to keep watching the game seamlessly.
- Check your physical connections: Ensure all coaxial cables behind your set-top box are screwed in tightly and have not come loose due to dust or movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which TV channel is India vs New Zealand live on in India?
If the match is being played in India, the live TV broadcast is on the Star Sports Network. If the match is being played in New Zealand, the live TV broadcast is on the Sony Sports Network.
How can I watch the India vs New Zealand live stream?
You can stream the matches live on JioHotstar when India hosts the series, or on Sony LIV when New Zealand hosts the series. Both platforms require a subscription for high-quality, uninterrupted coverage.
Will DD Sports broadcast India vs New Zealand for free?
Yes, under India’s sports broadcasting laws, matches of "national importance" must be shared with public broadcaster Doordarshan. DD Sports will telecast the bilateral matches for free, but only for viewers using DD Free Dish or terrestrial antennas. It will not be available on DD Sports via private DTH operators like Tata Play or Airtel DTH.
What is the channel number of Star Sports 1 on Tata Play?
Star Sports 1 SD is on channel 455, and Star Sports 1 HD is on channel 454 on Tata Play.
What is the channel number of Sony Sports Ten 1 on Airtel DTH?
Sony Sports Ten 1 SD is on channel 285, and Sony Sports Ten 1 HD is on channel 286 on Airtel DTH.
Is India vs New Zealand streaming on Amazon Prime Video?
No. While Amazon Prime Video held the rights to broadcast New Zealand home matches in India between 2020 and 2024 (including the 2022 series), those rights have now transitioned to Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) until April 2031.
Conclusion
Never miss a moment of the epic rivalry between the Men in Blue and the Blackcaps. By understanding the host-nation rule, you can always know exactly india vs new zealand in which tv channel to search for. For games hosted in India or ICC tournaments, tune into Star Sports or open the JioHotstar app. For games hosted in the scenic stadiums of New Zealand, make sure your Sony Sports subscription is active and keep your Sony LIV app updated. Keep this guide bookmarked so you are always one step ahead of the next toss!
