The 18th edition of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) had a record-breaking opening weekend, drawing an unprecedented number of viewers across JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network. With a combined watch time of 4,956 crore minutes, JioStar Network has raised the bar for cricket broadcasting, offering fans an unmatched experience across television and digital platforms.
On JioHotstar, digital viewership for the first three matches surged by 40% compared to last season, driven by a remarkable 54% rise in connected TV (CTV) consumption. The platform registered 137 crore views, a peak concurrency of 3.4 crore, and an astonishing 2,186 crore minutes of watch time in just three matches, demonstrating its growing influence and appeal among cricket fans.
Meanwhile, television viewership also soared, as per BARC data. The opening weekend of TATA IPL 2025 attracted over 25.3 crore viewers, accumulating a record-breaking 2,770 crore minutes of watch time—22% higher than last year. The average TV rating (TVR) for the first three matches saw a significant 39% increase from the previous season.
JioStar’s CEO of Sports, Sanjog Gupta, highlighted the immense reach of the tournament, stating: “The record-breaking viewership on both TV and digital platforms reinforces IPL’s unrivaled popularity, driven by our platform’s extensive reach and commitment to deeper fan engagement. With 4,956 crore minutes of cumulative watch time, this season has begun on an extraordinary note. We aim to continue delivering an engaging, personalized, and immersive IPL experience, ensuring every fan enjoys unforgettable moments and compelling stories.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kiran Mani, CEO of Digital at JioStar, emphasized how IPL 2025 is transforming the way India interacts with live sports and entertainment. “The opening weekend demonstrated how innovation can create richer, more interactive experiences, bringing fans closer to the game. Our partners are also tapping into a highly engaged audience, fostering meaningful connections. As IPL expands its reach, we move closer to our goal of lighting up a billion screens and redefining sports entertainment in India.”
For advertisers, these record numbers reaffirm the IPL’s massive reach and impact. JioStar’s growing roster of over 30 marquee brand partners, including My11Circle, Campa Energy, PhonePe, Amazon Prime, SBI, Thums Up, and Google Pay, highlights its position as a premier advertising platform. While traditional TV remains a powerful medium, JioHotstar is reshaping digital advertising with personalized formats, enhanced targeting, and deeper audience insights.
A New Era of Cricket Entertainment
As the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2025, JioStar has revolutionized the viewing experience with an innovative, multi-dimensional presentation. The tournament is being broadcast in 25+ feeds across 12 languages on both Star Sports Network and JioHotstar, with insights from over 170 cricket experts. Interactive features like live chats, polls, predictions, and virtual watch parties turn passive watching into an engaging community-driven experience. The MaxView feature further enhances immersion, offering an edge-to-edge display with stunning clarity.
Under the campaign ‘Yahaan Sab Possible Hai,’ JioStar is bringing fans closer to the action through social media, creator collaborations, and on-ground activations. The digital-exclusive Hangout feed is making a return, featuring unique commentary from stand-up comics and content creators, while the Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday segment caters to younger viewers and families.
Adding another layer to the experience, JioStar is introducing second-screen engagement. Fans watching on TV can scan a QR code to instantly access match highlights on JioHotstar, ensuring they never miss a key moment.
After successfully delivering the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, JioStar has kicked off IPL 2025 in style, setting the stage for what promises to be the most exciting and immersive season yet.
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