The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kicked off with a record-breaking opening weekend, amassing a combined viewing duration of 4,956 crore minutes across JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. This unprecedented engagement reflects the tournament’s unmatched popularity and its evolving digital and television experience.
JioHotstar saw a staggering 40% increase in digital viewership for the first three matches compared to the previous season, driven largely by a 54% rise in CTV consumption. With 137 crore views, a peak concurrency of 3.4 crore, and 2,186 crore minutes of watch time within just the opening matches, the platform continues to capture the nation’s attention.
Simultaneously, television viewership on the Star Sports Network set new records. BARC data confirmed that over 25.3 crore viewers tuned in for the opening weekend, registering 2,770 crore minutes of watch time—marking a 22% increase from the previous year. The average TVR for the first three matches also surged by 39% compared to IPL 2024.
Sanjog Gupta, CEO – Sports, JioStar, highlighted the significance of these numbers: “The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms over the opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025 reaffirms the tournament’s unmatched popularity bolstered significantly by the wide reach of our platforms and our commitment to creating deeper fan connections, in turn redefining how India experiences sports. With cumulative watch time of 4,956 crore minutes, this season has begun on an extraordinary note.”
“As the tournament unfolds, we look forward to continuing to deliver an inclusive, intuitive and interactive IPL experience by serving every fan with a suite of customized viewing options, creating unmissable moments, unforgettable stories, and a truly immersive IPL,” added Gupta.
Kiran Mani, CEO – Digital, JioStar, emphasized the technological innovations enhancing viewer engagement. “IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment at an unmatched scale. The opening weekend showcased the power of innovation in creating richer, more interactive experiences, allowing fans to connect with the game like never before. At the same time, our partners are tapping into one of the most engaged audiences ever, driving deeper and more meaningful connections. As we continue to expand IPL’s reach, bringing the game to newer audiences, we move closer to our ambition of lighting up a billion screens and making this season a historic moment in how sports and entertainment are experienced in India.”
Beyond record-breaking viewership, IPL 2025 has solidified its influence for both spectators and sponsors. JioStar continues to be the premier platform for brands aiming for high-impact reach, with over 30 marquee brand partners, including My11Circle, Campa Energy, PhonePe, Amazon Prime, SBI, Thums Up, Google Pay, Dream11, Rapido, Parle, Danube, Mutual Funds Sahi Hai, Asian Paints, Carat Lane, and Arun Ice Cream. While television remains an effective medium for marketers, JioHotstar is revolutionizing digital advertising with enhanced targeting, personalized ad formats, and deeper audience insights.
JioStar has also transformed the IPL viewing experience with its innovative, multi-dimensional presentation. With over 25 feeds in 12 languages across Star Sports and JioHotstar, fans can engage in live chats, polls, and virtual watch parties, creating a community-driven experience. The MaxView feature enhances the experience further with an edge-to-edge display for crystal-clear details. Additionally, the reintroduction of the popular Hangout channel brings fresh commentary and humor, while the Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday broadcast caters specifically to younger audiences. A second-screen engagement feature allows fans to access key moments via QR codes on JioHotstar, making the experience seamless and immersive.
As IPL 2025 gains momentum, JioStar’s commitment to enhancing fan experiences continues to shape the way cricket is consumed in India. With a fusion of technology, interactivity, and accessibility, the platform is redefining sports entertainment, ensuring that this season remains one of the most engaging and immersive in IPL history.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
