If you cannot access Google Play — for example, on a device without Play Services or in a region with restricted store access — you can install the official APK directly. This page explains the safest path and how to verify the file before opening it.
How to download the official APK
- Open the official website on your Android device.
- Navigate to the download section.
- Tap the APK download link. The file will begin downloading (typically 30-55 MB).
- Open the downloaded file from the notification tray.
- If prompted, enable "Install from unknown sources" for your browser or file manager.
- Tap Install.
Verifying the APK before installing
Before opening an APK file you have received — even from a friend — verify the following:
- The publisher name shown in the install prompt matches the official operator.
- The signing certificate fingerprint matches the certificate on Google Play.
- The APK size is within the expected range.
- The app does not request SMS, contacts or microphone permissions.
If any of these checks fail, do not install. Delete the file and download again from the official source.
Why use APK at all?
Most users install from Google Play. The APK path exists for users on devices without Play Services, on work-managed phones where Play Store is restricted, or in regions where the Play Store does not list the app. For everyone else, Google Play is the safer and easier path.
Frequently asked questions
Check the publisher name in the install prompt. It must match the official operator. If you cannot verify the publisher, do not install.
The latest version number is shown on the official app listing. Check that your installed version matches before each match day so live data works correctly.
No. iOS does not support sideloading. iPhone and iPad users should install from the App Store.
Filed by IPL Live Fantasy editorial desk · Updated 20 July 2026.
What is an APK
APK stands for Android Package Kit. It is the file format Android uses to distribute and install applications. Normally you install apps through Google Play, which downloads and installs the APK for you in the background. Installing an APK directly means you are downloading the file yourself and opening it on your device, bypassing Google Play.
Risks of sideloading
The risk is that modified APKs can carry malware, spyware or credential-stealing code. There are scam apps that pretend to be the official fantasy cricket app but actually harvest UPI PINs or OTPs. The signing certificate check described above is the single most reliable way to verify an APK is from the official developer — modified APKs cannot sign with the official certificate.
Updates after sideloading
APKs installed outside Google Play do not receive automatic updates. You will need to manually download the new APK when a version is released, and re-install. Google Play will not prompt you to update the app, and in-app update checks may not work. Plan to check for new versions weekly during the IPL season.
Permissions to watch for
The official app requests only the permissions it needs: location (for state-wise eligibility), camera (for KYC document upload), internet (for live match data) and storage (for cache). If an APK requests contacts, microphone, SMS or call log permissions, it is not the official app. Do not install.
Alternative: Google Play
For most users, the simplest path is Google Play. Sideloading is recommended only when Google Play is unavailable — for example, on a device without Google Play Services, in a region with restricted Play Store access, or on a work-managed phone where the store is locked down.