CA-Star Sports partnership off to a flying start. More than 55 million people watched the whole BBL 2023-24 season on Star Sports Network, a 203% increase over the previous season, making it India’s most-watched edition.
Cricket Australia and Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Australian cricket in India, have revealed an increase in Indian viewership of the recently completed Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 and Pakistan’s visit to Australia.
More than 55 million people watched the whole BBL 2023-24 season on Star Sports Network, a 203% increase over the previous season, making it India’s most-watched edition. Furthermore, the broadcaster has recorded 3.75 billion minutes of viewing time, a 105% increase over the previous season. The playoffs and final on Star Sports were broadcast in five languages for the first time.
More than 9.5 million viewers tuned in for the three Tests in the bilateral series between Australia and Pakistan.
A stunning 54% increase over the previous Pakistan tour to Australia.
The increased interest in Australian cricket following a successful World Cup campaign in India. As well as the promise of action-packed contests, combined with growing Star Sports Network penetration (available in 9 out of 10 Pay TV homes), a well-rounded marketing campaign promoting the Australian summer, and high-quality broadcasts tailored to Indian fans, paved the way for this surge in viewership.
Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, stated. “We are thrill with the great enthusiasm in Australian cricket in India. Which has translated into such large viewing audiences on Star Sports. It is especially satisfying that the BBL has attracted a massive 55 million viewers this season. A credit to the quality of cricket and the excellent coverage provide by Star Sports, including various languages for the BBL Finals. More than 9.5 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports for the recent series against Pakistan
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India’s interest in the world champion Australian squad and its lasting passion for Test cricket.
“We can’t wait to host India for the five-Test Border Gavaskar Test Series next summer. Especially as Australia and India are the world’s two top-rank Test teams. We are excited to collaborate with Star to broaden our localise offering to Indian fans in time for next summer’s blockbuster season. ” He added.
Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star, stated. “The increase in viewing for the Australian summer is a testament to the compelling mix of Australian Cricket’s popularity. Star Sports’ brand equity (as the most popular sports destination) and the TV network’s widespread distribution. The considerable increase in watch-time and engagement illustrates Indian fans’ love for high-quality cricket and readiness to watch various forms of the game. The extra context of Australia’s World Cup victory in India. As well as major content efforts like as the inclusion of Indian languages in BBL playoffs. Bolster the inherent strength of CA and Disney Star’s relationship. We are happy with the excellent start to our journey together.”
Star Sports is currently airing the West Indies’ tour of Australia, which includes two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Given the growing popularity of Australian cricket on Star Sports. The T20Is between Australia and the West Indies will be televised in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada on the Star Sports Network.
The Women’s Cricket Series between Australia and South Africa is also being broadcast on the Star Sports Network in India. As the collaboration between Cricket Australia and Star Sports evolves, fans can expect even more exciting initiatives. Innovative technology, and fascinating content that will enhance the cricket viewing experience for Indian audiences.
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