By In an unprecedented achievement, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has set a new benchmark with its highest-ever viewership for the first 10 matches, as announced by the event’s official broadcaster. Disney Star, in a statement released on Thursday, revealed that the IPL 2024 season has garnered a staggering viewership of 35 crore, surpassing all previous records, including seasons impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sanjog Gupta, Head of Disney Star (Sports), expressed his delight at the remarkable achievement, stating, “We are overwhelmed with the record-breaking viewing figures for TATA IPL 2024… doubling down on fan-centred initiatives that seek to drive passion and fandom for the tournament.”
According to BARC data released by Disney Star, the overall watch-time for the IPL has skyrocketed to an astounding 8028 crore minutes, marking a significant 20 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge in viewership reflects the enduring popularity of the IPL among cricket enthusiasts across the country.
Disney Star has left no stone unturned in ensuring comprehensive coverage of the IPL, broadcasting matches across 14 feeds in 10 languages. Moreover, the broadcaster has introduced a special feed in Indian Sign Language to cater to Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Visually Impaired fans, underscoring their commitment to inclusivity.
The IPL 2024 season kicked off with a bang, drawing a massive audience of 16.8 crore viewers for the inaugural match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22. The opening day also witnessed a record-breaking watch-time of 1276 crore minutes, the highest-ever for the first day of any IPL season.
The success of the IPL 2024 season reaffirms its status as one of the most-watched sporting events in India, fueled by the unwavering support of fans and innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing the viewing experience. As the tournament progresses, expectations are high for further milestones and memorable moments on the cricketing field.
