CSK and RCB: Shatters IPL Records

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has once again proved its massive appeal as the opening match of the 2024 season between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) set new records in viewership on television and digital platforms. The highly anticipated clash captured the attention of a record-breaking 16.8 crore unique viewers, who collectively consumed a staggering 1276 crore minutes of watch time.

The excitement for the T20 spectacle’s 17th season saw an unprecedented number of viewers tuning in simultaneously on the Disney Star network, creating the highest-ever peak TV concurrency for an IPL Opening Day with 6.1 crore viewers watching the live broadcast at the same time. This historic concurrency demonstrates the enduring popularity and growing fanbase of the IPL.

Star Sports, the broadcaster responsible for bringing the live action to millions of cricket enthusiasts, has expressed their gratitude towards the fans, partners, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their contribution to achieving this record-breaking viewership milestone. The network, committed to ‘serving fans’, has provided extensive coverage of the tournament.

Adding to the grand spectacle, the Opening Day lineup brimmed with a star-studded assembly of cricketing talent including luminaries such as Navjot Singh Sidhu, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ravi Shastri, and Sunil Gavaskar. Fans also witnessed the debut of international cricket stars Steve Smith and Stuart Broad as commentators, enhancing the viewer experience with their insights.

In a nod to the regional diversity of its viewers, Disney Star’s regional feeds were available in 9 languages, featuring former CSK players like Ambati Rayudu, Murali Vijay, L Balaji, Subramaniam Badrinath, Vinay Kumar, and Venugopal Rao in the commentary box for a localized viewing experience in IPL 2024 coverage.

Prior to the commencement of the season, over 24.5 crore unique viewers were already engaged in the lead-up to the tournament, indicating a strong anticipation for IPL 2024.

Digital viewership saw impressive numbers as well, with JioCinema attracting 11.3 crore viewers on the first day of IPL 2024. This is an impressive 51% increase from the previous year, with the platform registering a total watch time of 660 crore minutes on the inaugural day alone.

The record-breaking start to the IPL 2024 season reflects the tournament’s growing influence and popularity across multiple platforms, reaching wider audiences and drawing cricket fans from all around the globe. As the tournament progresses, it continues to set the standard for cricketing entertainment and showcase why it is one of the most-followed sporting events worldwide.