March 28, 2025: The opening weekend of the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has shattered viewership records, with an extraordinary performance across both digital and television platforms. The IPL 2025 season, which began with much fanfare, saw an unparalleled level of engagement on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network, setting new benchmarks for cricket viewership.
The digital side of the IPL spectacle on JioHotstar was nothing short of historic. The first three matches saw a 40 percent increase in viewership compared to the previous season, with a particularly impressive 54 percent surge in connected TV (CTV) consumption. In total, JioHotstar amassed an astonishing 137 crore views, with a peak concurrency of 3.4 crore users, and an incredible 2,186 crore minutes of watch time. These figures demonstrate the platform’s dominance in the digital realm, making it the go-to destination for IPL 2025 action.
On the television front, the opening weekend also set new records. According to BARC data, over 25.3 crore viewers tuned in for the first three matches of IPL 2025, generating a staggering 2,770 crore minutes of watch time, marking a 22 percent increase over the previous season. The average TV Rating (TVR) for these matches was up by 39 percent from last year, showing a significant rise in audience engagement and viewership.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO of Sports at JioStar, commented on the record-breaking numbers, emphasizing the power of their platform to engage a wide audience. “The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms reaffirms the unmatched popularity of the IPL, significantly driven by the wide reach of our platforms. We’re excited to continue offering an inclusive, intuitive, and interactive experience that brings fans closer to the game,” Gupta stated. “With a cumulative watch time of 4,956 crore minutes, the season is off to an extraordinary start, and we look forward to creating more unmissable moments and unforgettable stories.”
Kiran Mani, CEO of Digital at JioStar, added his thoughts on the power of innovation in shaping fan experiences. “IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment. The opening weekend showcased the strength of innovative technologies, offering richer, more interactive experiences for fans. As we move closer to lighting up a billion screens, we’re excited to take the game to newer audiences and deepen connections with our partners,” Mani explained.
With these record-setting figures, IPL 2025 is not just a sporting event but an unprecedented moment in India’s digital and sports entertainment history. As the tournament continues, fans can expect even more personalized and immersive viewing options, elevating their experience of the most-watched cricket league in the world.