Record-Breaking Viewership for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in India
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has made headlines not just for the thrilling cricket on display but also for shattering viewership records in India. The tournament’s TV ratings have soared to unprecedented heights, surpassing even the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by an impressive 23%. This remarkable achievement underscores the deep-rooted passion for cricket in India and the event’s ability to captivate millions.
Unprecedented Watch Time
The live broadcast of the Champions Trophy garnered staggering viewership statistics, with a total watch time of 137 billion minutes on Star Sports and 110 billion minutes on JioHotstar. These figures reflect the immense popularity of the tournament, particularly the blockbuster final held on March 9, where India faced off against New Zealand in Dubai. The final match reached a peak concurrency of 122 million live viewers on TV and 61 million on JioHotstar, marking a new record for digital viewership in cricket.
A Historic Final
The final itself was a spectacle, becoming the second-highest-rated One Day International (ODI) in television history, outside of ICC Cricket World Cup matches. With 230 million viewers tuning in for the live broadcast, the match accumulated a staggering 53 billion minutes of watch time across both TV and digital platforms. The excitement surrounding the final was palpable, as fans were treated to a nail-biting contest that showcased the best of international cricket.
The Power of Cricket in India
Jay Shah, the Chair of the ICC, expressed his delight at the overwhelming viewership numbers, particularly for the final match. He emphasized the mass appeal of cricket in India and how the ICC’s strategy of broadcasting events in multiple languages significantly enhances fan engagement. This approach not only caters to existing cricket enthusiasts but also attracts new audiences, creating a vibrant cricketing community.
Innovative Marketing Strategies
The success of the Champions Trophy can also be attributed to innovative marketing strategies employed by the rights holders, JioStar. Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports at JioStar, highlighted the importance of a fan-focused storytelling approach and the technological capabilities that facilitated this record-breaking viewership. The marketing campaign was designed to reach diverse audience segments, ensuring that cricket fans across the country were engaged and excited about the tournament.
High-Stakes Rivalries
One of the standout moments of the tournament was the high-profile match between archrivals India and Pakistan, which became one of the most-watched ODIs in Indian history. This encounter clocked over 26 billion minutes of watch time on linear TV, surpassing the viewership of their previous clash in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The match, held on February 23 in Dubai, attracted a record 206 million viewers on linear TV, further solidifying the intense rivalry between the two cricketing nations.
Comprehensive Coverage
The extensive coverage of the tournament played a crucial role in its success. JioStar ensured that the action was broadcast live across various channels, including Star Sports and Sports 18, in multiple languages such as English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. On the digital front, the tournament was streamed live across a record 16 feeds, including nine languages and specialized feeds like Indian Sign Language and the Max View feed on JioHotstar.
Engaging Programming
In addition to the matches themselves, fans were kept engaged through captivating programming leading up to and during the tournament. This included expert analyses, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that enriched the viewing experience and fostered a deeper connection with the sport.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has not only set new benchmarks for viewership but has also reinforced cricket’s status as a beloved sport in India. The combination of thrilling matches, innovative marketing, and extensive coverage has created a perfect storm of excitement, drawing millions into the world of cricket.
