The 18th edition of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) has kicked off in spectacular fashion, setting new records and showcasing the tournament's immense popularity across both digital and television platforms. From March 22, 2025, IPL 2025 has amassed a staggering cumulative watch time of 49.56 billion minutes, marking a remarkable start to the season.
On the JioHotstar platform, the initial three matches of IPL 2025 saw a 40% increase in viewership compared to last season, driven significantly by a 54% surge in connected TV (CTV) consumption. This digital success translated into an impressive 1.37 billion views and 21.86 billion minutes of watch time for the opening games, highlighting the IPL's enduring appeal.
Television viewership also soared during the opening weekend, with 253 million viewers tuning into Star Sports Network, resulting in 27.7 billion minutes of watch time. This represents a 22% increase in TV viewership compared to the previous year, alongside a 39% rise in average viewership ratings for the first three matches.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports at JioStar, expressed his excitement over the IPL's success, stating, "The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms reaffirms IPL’s unmatched popularity. Our platforms’ reach and commitment to enhancing fan experiences have redefined how India consumes sports." Gupta emphasized the significance of the opening weekend, noting that the cumulative watch time of 49.56 billion minutes set an extraordinary tone for the season.
Adding to this, Kiran Mani, CEO of Digital at JioStar, highlighted the innovative strides made in engaging fans: "IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment. Our interactive experiences, live chats, polls, and virtual watch parties are revolutionizing fan engagement on an unmatched scale."
One of the standout features of IPL 2025 is the extensive reach provided by JioStar, which offers over 25 feeds in 12 languages, featuring more than 170 cricket experts across both platforms. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that fans from diverse backgrounds can enjoy the matches in their preferred language.
The IPL's opening weekend featured thrilling matches, including the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad competing against Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings battling Mumbai Indians. Each match captured the attention of millions, contributing to the record-setting statistics.
As the tournament progresses, JioStar is set to deliver an even more immersive experience. The return of the digital-exclusive Hangout feed will feature quirky match commentary from new-age creators and stand-up comics, while the Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday initiative will cater to younger audiences, ensuring that the IPL remains a family-friendly event.
Moreover, JioStar’s commitment to enhancing viewer engagement is evident with the introduction of a second-screen feature. Fans can now scan a QR code during live broadcasts to instantly access match highlights on JioHotstar, ensuring they never miss a pivotal moment.
This year’s IPL is not just about cricket; it’s about creating memorable experiences for fans. With a roster of over 30 marquee brand partners, including My11Circle, Campa Energy, PhonePe, Amazon Prime, and many others, the IPL is poised to be a significant platform for advertisers seeking to connect with a highly engaged audience.
In conclusion, the TATA IPL 2025 is off to a record-breaking start, with unprecedented viewership numbers that reflect the tournament's popularity and the innovative approaches taken by JioStar. As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding matches, one thing is clear: this season is set to redefine how sports and entertainment are experienced in India.
