Cricket, often referred to as a religion in countries like India, has been a source of unbridled joy for fans worldwide. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated sporting events globally. With every edition, the tournament has seen a meteoric rise in viewership and popularity, captivating fans across the globe. The ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023 serves as evidence of this trend, boasting a staggering 22% growth in viewership compared to the 2019 edition after just match 11.
ODI World Cup 2023: A Spectacular Success
The ODI World Cup 2023 proved to be a huge success in terms of viewership and popularity. Clocking more than 59 billion minutes of watch-time, the tournament marked a remarkable 22% increase in viewership after 11th match compared to the 2019 edition. These numbers are not only awe-inspiring but also indicative of cricket’s enduring charm.
Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, played a pivotal role in this success story. Their coverage of the tournament, which included 11 matches, including two India matches against Australia and Afghanistan, was nothing short of spectacular.
Viewership and Audience Growth
One of the most striking aspects of the ODI World Cup 2023 was the growth in viewership among premium audiences. NCCS A witnessed an astonishing growth of 40%, while NCCS B saw an impressive increase of 24%. This surge in premium audience viewership highlights cricket’s broadening appeal among diverse demographics.
The live broadcast of the first 11 matches was watched by a staggering 268 million viewers. What’s even more impressive is that 96 million young working professionals (aged 22-40) tuned in, marking a 5% increase compared to the 2019 edition. The peak live concurrency for the tournament reached an astonishing 56 million viewers, a record registered during the India vs. Australia match in Chennai on October 8.
Diverse Language Feeds and Additional Vertical Feeds
Star Sports’ commitment to providing a diverse viewing experience was evident in the 11 feeds they produced for ICC Men’s CWC 2023. These feeds were available in nine different languages, catering to a wide audience: English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Additionally, two vertical feeds (Max View) were offered exclusively for Disney+Hotstar users, further enhancing the accessibility of the tournament.
Non-Live Programming Enriching the Broadcast
The overall broadcast experience was enriched by a range of non-live programming shows. ‘Follow the Blues,’ ‘Game Plan,’ ‘Match Point,’ and ‘Cheeky Singles’ provided in-depth analyses and captivating build-up to the tournament. These shows allowed fans to delve deeper into the world of cricket, providing insights and anecdotes that added to the excitement of the event.
Fan-Centric Campaign
Star Sports also launched a fan-centric campaign, igniting the dreams of millions by envisioning India winning the coveted World Cup trophy once again. The campaign featured a star-studded lineup of top celebrities, including Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ravi Teja, Shiva Rajkumar, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, Kangana Renaut, and many more. These celebrities shared their love and admiration for the sport and their favorite Indian cricketers on ‘Cricket Live,’ India’s most-watched cricket show.
The Road Ahead
As the excitement continues to build, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to feature thrilling matches. India’s upcoming clashes against New Zealand on October 22 and England on October 29 are expected to keep viewers glued to their screens, further cementing the tournament’s status as a global sporting phenomenon.
Fans Frenzy at the 2023 Cricket World Cup
The excitement isn’t limited to the increase in cricket viewership on the global stage; it extends to the buzzing betting arena as well. India’s leading betting sites have rolled out odds for the tournament, with the home team emerging as heavy favorites to clinch the title. Drawing parallels with their 2011 campaign win, betting enthusiasts believe that India’s home advantage positions them for another triumphant run this year, especially with a staggering billion-plus fan base cheering them on worldwide. Fans keen to bet, India’s top betting platforms offer plenty of choices. For instance, BONS casino is offering cricket fans with a generous 200% bonus for their online sportsbook betting adventures during the Cricket World Cup, alongside a wide array of other exciting games and sports to explore.
Wrap Up
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup has consistently witnessed a remarkable surge in viewership and popularity with each passing edition. The ODI World Cup 2023, with its 22% growth in viewership compared to the 2019 edition, has once again underlined cricket’s immense appeal. With Star Sports’ exceptional coverage, diverse language feeds, non-live programming, and a fan-centric campaign, this edition has set new benchmarks in cricket broadcasting. As fans eagerly await the thrilling matches to come, one thing is clear: cricket’s charm continues to unite and captivate audiences worldwide.
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