IPL 2024 shatters viewership records in first 10 matches

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has set a new benchmark in sports broadcasting, captivating a staggering 35 crore viewers within its initial ten matches. This figure surpasses any previous records, including those seasons that unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the tournament's growing appeal.

According to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data shared by Disney Star, the event's official broadcaster, there has been an unprecedented surge in the total watch-time, reaching 8028 crore minutes. This represents a substantial 20% increase compared to the figures from the previous year, underscoring the tournament's escalating popularity.

In a statement expressing his delight over the soaring viewership, Sanjog Gupta, the Head of Disney Star (Sports), remarked, "We are overwhelmed with the record-breaking viewing figures for TATA IPL 2024. Disney Star has started the 17th season from where it left off last year, doubling down on fan-centred initiatives that seek to drive passion and fandom for the tournament." This approach evidently resonates with the audience, contributing significantly to the viewership spike.

Disney Star has taken inclusive broadcasting steps by offering the IPL across 14 feeds in 10 languages, along with a special feed in Indian Sign Language. This initiative caters to the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and Visually Impaired fans, ensuring the game's accessibility to a broader audience.

The season commenced on a high note with a riveting match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, attracting 16.8 crore viewers. The day also saw a record watch-time of 1276 crore minutes, marking the highest ever for the inaugural day of the tournament. This metric, which aggregates the duration each viewer spends watching the matches, highlights the immense engagement the IPL generates among its audience.

Suryakumar Yadav update: MI batter clears most fitness tests, likely to play on this date