Simple thing, they have understood that People would not have paid to watch IPL. So by telecasting them on various channels, they will get required ad revenue.Even I have unsubscribed star channels except select.
So they offer free/299 hotstar subscription and telecast match on non-premium channels.
Just noticed that all matches are being telecast on Star Gold 2 (Rs1).
I do have Hotstar annual subscription as well, (took for Rs 999 in Dec2021 just prior to the Price Hike), but surprised to see that all matches being shown on Star Gold 2 as well