The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted in India, has set the sports world abuzz with record-breaking viewership statistics, captivating fans with thrilling encounters, and igniting the global passion for cricket.
A Spectacular Rise in Viewership
The cricket fever has gripped the world, and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has taken the viewership to unprecedented heights. BCCI secretary Jay Shah proudly announced a remarkable 43% growth in minutes watched compared to the previous edition, the 2019 World Cup. The tournament’s electrifying matches have kept fans glued to their screens, making it a testament to the popularity of cricket and the unwavering passion of Indian cricket fans.
In a post on the popular social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote, “The #CWC2023 has been watched by 36.42 Crore viewers on TV in its first 18 matches – a new record for @cricketworldcup. Fans have also been glued to their TV screens more than ever before with 43% growth in the minutes watched @StarSportsIndia . This is testament to the popularity of our sport and power of Indian Cricket fans!”
In a recent statement by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the World Cup’s first 18 matches attracted a monumental 364.2 million viewers who tuned in for the live broadcasts. This staggering number showcases the fusion of one-day cricket at its finest with the unparalleled Indian passion for the sport. The World Cup has not only united cricket enthusiasts but has also filled the hearts of competing nations with national pride, making it an unrivalled global sporting spectacle.
Marquee Clashes and Digital Dominance
The clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, which took place on October 14 in Ahmedabad, reached new heights with a peak live TV concurrency of 76 million. The digital platform witnessed 35 million concurrent viewers during this monumental encounter, highlighting the digital transformation of cricket viewership.
India’s match against New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22 eclipsed the previous digital concurrency record set by the India vs. Pakistan clash. It saw an astonishing 43 million concurrent viewers on Disney+ Hotstar during the final overs, marking the highest peak ever across any format of cricket on a digital platform.
An Unparalleled Celebration of the Sport
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed his delight at the remarkable engagement and interest in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The World Cup’s staggering audience numbers on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar have captivated the public across India, with records shattering and hundreds of millions of fans cherishing this pinnacle one-day cricket event.
Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the unparalleled ability of marquee cricket to unite audiences across platforms. With India’s strong performance, intense matches, and competitive points table, it’s expected that the tournament’s momentum will continue to rise.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, hosted in cricket-crazy India, has not only showcased the best of cricket but has also shattered viewership records, uniting fans worldwide. This unprecedented enthusiasm underscores the sport’s enduring appeal and the collective passion of cricket enthusiasts around the globe.
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