The final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s will be remembered not just for the thrilling cricket but also for the records it broke. Over 109,227 fans were in attendance on the final day, and viewership records were shattered across Indian broadcast and digital platforms.
Star Sports Network recorded its highest-ever viewership of over 2.94 billion for a single game during the WTC 2025 Final. It also became the only non-India Test match to achieve such massive TV reach, with around 47 million viewers tuning in.
On digital platforms, the final also set new benchmarks with over 225 million views, surpassing even the 2023 India vs Australia WTC Final at The Oval.
The four-day final saw a gripping contest between South Africa and defending champions Australia. The Proteas emerged victorious by five wickets in a tense finish. Aiden Markram anchored the chase with a brilliant 136 in the fourth innings, while Kagiso Rabada’s nine-wicket haul proved decisive in South Africa’s historic win.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah on Record-Breaking Viewership
Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman, expressed his delight over the phenomenal response, especially from Indian fans, to a high-profile Test match that did not feature the Indian team.
“The remarkable viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship Final, across both broadcast and digital platforms, are a powerful testament to the appeal of high-quality Test cricket and the elevated context of the WTC Final,” said Shah.
He also highlighted the format’s growing popularity in India and beyond: “This format continues to command a loyal and passionate global following and remains an integral part of our sport’s identity. What makes this success even more special is the enthusiasm shown by fans in regions beyond the two competing nations, reaffirming that cricket’s reach is truly international, and that the purest form of the game can thrive beyond national affiliations,” he added.
Shah also credited ICC’s broadcast partner JioStar for enhancing the viewing experience.
“A special mention to JioStar, whose innovative and immersive coverage, captured the drama, emotion, and atmosphere of the ‘Ultimate Test’ in a way that deeply resonated with audiences around the world,” Shah also mentioned.
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