The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was more than just a thrilling tournament; it made history by delivering the most-watched ICC Champions Trophy match ever. With record-breaking viewership numbers across the globe, the event showcased cricket’s unmatched popularity. Co-hosted by Pakistan and the UAE, this edition proved just how far the sport has come in capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
To begin with, the tournament delivered an incredible 368 billion viewing minutes globally. Compared to 2017, that’s a 19% jump. Cricket’s audience is not just growing, it’s booming. The final match between India and New Zealand was a true blockbuster. It drew a jaw-dropping 65.3 billion live viewing minutes. As a result, it turned into the most-watched ICC Champions Trophy match of all time.
India played a key role in these record figures. During the final, TV viewership hit 122 million at its peak. At the same time, 61 million tuned in through JioCinema and Hotstar. That’s a new high for digital cricket viewership.
Moreover, the India vs. Pakistan group match also turned heads. It attracted 206 million viewers on TV and over 26 billion minutes of viewing. This iconic rivalry continues to be a global spectacle.
The rise of digital streaming was another big story. JioCinema and Hotstar together clocked over 540 crore views across the tournament. Impressively, the final alone brought in 124.2 crore views. Even better, over 6 crore users watched it live at the same time, an all-time digital record.
What made the digital experience even more exciting? The matches were available in nine regional languages. Additionally, features like sign language interpretation and audio commentary made the content more inclusive.
Importantly, it wasn’t just the subcontinent tuning in. In Australia, viewership jumped by 65% compared to 2017. Amazon Prime Video even recorded its best-ever numbers for an ICC event. Meanwhile, in the USA, viewing time grew by 38%, despite time zone challenges. These gains show that cricket is no longer confined to a few countries. Its reach is expanding fast.
To sum up, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has set a new standard in sports broadcasting. With massive growth across TV and digital, and with more accessible and regional content, the tournament proved cricket’s incredible global appeal. As we look forward to future ICC events, one thing is certain: 2025 will be remembered as a turning point in how the world watches cricket.
