The opening weekend of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has shattered all previous viewership records, with JioHotstar achieving its highest-ever reach in the history of the tournament.
The digital streaming platform, along with the Star Sports Network, witnessed unprecedented levels of engagement from cricket fans across India, showcasing IPL’s unmatched popularity as the country’s premier sporting event.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
JioHotstar registered a staggering 137 crore views during the first three matches of IPL 2025, marking a 40% increase in digital viewership compared to the previous season.
This incredible surge was driven by a significant rise in consumption across Connected TV (CTV), which saw a 54% growth, indicating a shift in how fans are engaging with live sports content.
The platform also recorded peak concurrency of 3.4 crore viewers during key moments of the opening matches, further establishing JioHotstar as the go-to destination for live cricket streaming.
Fans tuned in en masse to catch thrilling encounters such as Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, which were among the most-watched games during the weekend.
On television, IPL 2025 continued to dominate viewership metrics, with over 25.3 crore viewers tuning in across India during the opening weekend.
According to BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) data, this translated to an impressive 2,770 crore minutes of watch time—a 22% increase compared to last year’s opening weekend.
The average TV rating (TVR) for the first three matches also saw a sharp rise of 39%, highlighting fans’ growing interest in IPL’s action-packed format.
What Contributed to the Surge?
Several factors contributed to this record-breaking viewership:
- Star-Studded Opening Matches:
The IPL 2025 opening weekend featured marquee clashes between some of the league’s most popular teams, including Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders. These high-profile matches drew millions of fans eager to watch their favorite players in action. - Enhanced Digital Experience:
JioHotstar introduced innovative features such as multi-language commentary, interactive polls, and customized viewing options for fans across devices. The platform’s seamless streaming experience on Connected TVs also played a major role in attracting viewers who prefer watching live sports on larger screens. - Aggressive Marketing Campaigns:
Star Sports and JioHotstar rolled out extensive promotional campaigns ahead of IPL 2025, leveraging social media platforms and celebrity endorsements to generate excitement among fans. - Increased Accessibility:
With affordable data plans and widespread smartphone penetration across India, more fans than ever before were able to access live matches on JioHotstar.
Official Statements
Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports at JioStar (the combined entity managing JioHotstar and Star Sports Network), expressed his delight at the record-breaking numbers. He stated:
“The extraordinary viewership across both digital and television platforms highlights IPL’s unparalleled popularity among Indian audiences. With over 4,956 crore minutes of cumulative watch time during the opening weekend alone, IPL 2025 has begun on an exceptional note.”
Gupta emphasized that their platforms aim to create deeper connections with fans by offering inclusive and interactive viewing experiences tailored to diverse audience preferences.
Impact on Indian Cricket and Broadcasting Industry
The record-breaking viewership numbers underscore IPL’s status as India’s biggest sporting spectacle and its ability to bring together millions of fans from all corners of the country.
The surge in digital consumption reflects changing trends in how audiences engage with live sports content—shifting from traditional television to Connected TVs and mobile devices.
This milestone also sets new benchmarks for broadcasters and streaming platforms in terms of delivering high-quality content and innovative fan experiences.
It highlights the growing importance of digital platforms like JioHotstar in shaping the future of sports broadcasting in India.
