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The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 undoubtedly emerged as the pinnacle of cricketing spectacle for the year. Players and nations showcased scintillating performances throughout the tournament that captivated fans worldwide. The event not only marked a celebration of cricketing excellence but also etched its name in history as the largest-ever ICC gathering, setting unprecedented records in both broadcast and digital platforms.
Viewership records shattered
The cricketing carnival surpassed a significant milestone by exceeding one trillion total viewing minutes on broadcast, a feat attributed to innovative technological enhancements like the introduction of the vertical video feed. This edition demonstrated remarkable growth, with a noteworthy 38% increase in viewership in India compared to the 2011 edition and a commendable 17% rise from the previous World Cup held in the United Kingdom in 2019.
The infusion of cutting-edge technology and the substantial surge in viewership underscored the tournament’s global appeal and the successful integration of new media experiences, marking the 2023 World Cup as a groundbreaking and immensely popular cricketing event.
India vs Australia final: Most watched ICC match in history
The highly anticipated final showdown between India and Australia defied the odds, setting a new record as the most-watched ICC match globally with an massive 87.6 billion live viewing minutes. This marked a substantial 46% growth from the last time India hosted the final in 2011.
Notably, Disney+ Hotstar’s strategic decision to stream the entire World Cup for free in India proved to be a game-changer, breaking the record for peak concurrent viewership four times during the tournament. The final, in particular, witnessed cricket’s highest-ever concurrent audience.
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India’s contribution in the viewership numbers
As the host country, India played a pivotal role in the remarkable viewership figures, contributing significantly to a staggering 422 billion viewing minutes on the Disney Star Network. This marked an impressive 54% surge from the figures recorded in 2011 and a notable 9% increase from the previous ODI World Cup.
The substantial growth in viewing minutes underscored the unwavering passion and immense support for cricket in India, reinforcing the nation’s integral role in making the World Cup 2023 a monumental success.