How Big Was the ICC T20 World Cup 2024?

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 wasn’t just another cricket tournament—it was a global celebration of the sport, bringing fans an unforgettable month of high-stakes action. Co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies from June 4 to June 30, the tournament captivated cricket lovers across the globe. With a jaw-dropping 2.6 billion viewers tuning in, this event didn’t just make history—it redefined it.

A Final to Remember

For Indian fans, the tournament will forever hold a special place as it ended the team’s 13-year drought for an ICC trophy. The final between India and South Africa on June 30 was a nail-biter, drawing a peak viewership of 5.3 crore on Disney+ Hotstar. This incredible number fell just short of the all-time record of 5.9 crores set during the India-Australia ODI World Cup final in November 2023. While the ODI final still holds the record, the T20 World Cup final had its own unique story. Experts noted that the T20 final managed to maintain a consistent viewership of 4 to 4.5 crore for an extended period, thanks to the nail-biting nature of the contest. Even during the post-match ceremony, millions stayed tuned, with viewership hovering between 2.5 and 3 crore.Karan Taurani, Senior Vice President at Elara Capital, summed it up well: “There was a longer timeframe of having 4 to 4.5 crore viewers, which wasn’t there in the India-Australia final match played last year.”

Cricket’s Growing Digital Dominance

This year’s T20 World Cup shattered records for digital engagement. According to research from a VPN provider, the tournament reached a staggering 2.6 billion viewers globally, setting a new record for digital engagement. Fans watched, shared, and discussed the matches like never before, generating an astonishing 16.9 billion video views—a 158% increase from the 2022 edition in Australia.

Disney+ Hotstar played a pivotal role, recording a peak concurrent viewership of 5.3 crore during the final match. While it didn’t surpass the 5.9 crore record from the ODI final, it firmly established the T20 World Cup as one of the most-watched cricketing events in history.

Search trends also reflected the excitement. Google search volume for the T20 World Cup hit a peak of 3.3 million in June, driven by the anticipation of key matches. The tournament captured hearts not just in South Asia but also in cricket-loving countries like Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.

The final showdown between India and South Africa was the highlight, with Disney+

Hotstar recorded a peak concurrent viewership of nearly 53 million, firmly establishing its place in cricket streaming history.

A Unique Global Appeal

One of the standout aspects of this tournament was its co-hosting arrangement. The United States brought a fresh flavor to the event, attracting a newer audience while maintaining the stronghold of South Asian cricket fans. The blend of traditional cricket fervor and the novelty of U.S.-based matches made the T20 World Cup a truly global event.

How It Stacks Up

The T20 World Cup knockout match between India and Australia on June 24 also drew significant attention, peaking at 3.9 crore viewers. However, the highest-ever peak viewership remains with the ODI final last November. Despite India’s loss in that match, 5.9 crore viewers tuned in to watch.The T20 final, while not breaking that record, highlighted an important trend: sustained engagement. The consistent viewership throughout the game showed that fans were deeply invested, making it a remarkable achievement in its own right.

A Tournament for the Ages

The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. It combined thrilling cricket, massive viewership, and record-breaking digital engagement to create an event that will be remembered for years to come.