Top 10 Most Viewed Matches in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has consistently broken viewership records since its inception in 2008. The 2024 edition is no exception, and the first 10 matches of the season have set new benchmarks in terms of viewership. With star-studded lineups, thrilling games, and high-voltage action, the tournament continues to captivate millions across the globe.

Here’s a look at the top 10 most viewed matches in IPL history, showing the growing popularity of the league over the years:

Top 10 Most Viewed Matches in IPL History

1. IPL 2024 Opening Match: CSK vs RCB

The opening game of IPL 2024 between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore attracted a staggering 16.8 crore viewers. Held at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on March 22, this match set the stage for a record-breaking season. With such intense rivalry, the match not only broke viewership records but also recorded 1,276 crore minutes of watch-time, the highest for any opening day.

2. IPL 2023 Final: CSK vs Gujarat Titans

The IPL 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans set a new global streaming record, with 32 million concurrent viewers on Viacom18’s JioCinema app. It marked the first time a cricket match crossed the 30 million concurrency mark in India. The match ended with a thrilling finish as CSK lifted the trophy, sealing the win via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

3. Qualifier 2, IPL 2023: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians

In another jaw-dropping moment of IPL 2023, the qualifier between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians hit 25.7 million concurrent viewers on JioCinema. It was a fiercely contested match that kept fans glued to their screens until the final ball.

4. IPL 2019 Final: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings

The 2019 IPL final, featuring the two giants of the tournament, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, pulled in a viewership of 18 crore. This match, won by MI by a single run, remains one of the most thrilling finales in IPL history and drew massive viewership both in India and globally.

5. Eliminator, IPL 2022: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants

The eliminator match of IPL 2022 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants garnered a huge audience with 19.6 million concurrent viewers on JioCinema. This high-octane game saw RCB advance, with the world watching closely.

6. IPL 2020: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals (Final)

The IPL 2020 final, played during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the most-watched match of the season, with 15 crore viewers tuning in. Mumbai Indians emerged victorious, claiming their fifth title, in a game watched by millions of fans confined to their homes.

7. IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (Opening Match)

The opening match of IPL 2021 between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore saw 14 crore viewers tune in, making it one of the most viewed matches of the season. The clash between two of the tournament’s most popular teams drew massive attention globally.

8. IPL 2016 Final: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

In the IPL 2016 final, Sunrisers Hyderabad faced Royal Challengers Bangalore in a high-stakes battle. Over 13 crore viewers watched as SRH clinched their first-ever IPL title, defeating a star-studded RCB side.

9. IPL 2014 Final: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab

The IPL 2014 final saw Kolkata Knight Riders face Kings XI Punjab in a thrilling match. This nail-biting contest drew 12 crore viewers as KKR secured their second IPL title in front of a massive television and online audience.

10. IPL 2022: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (Final)

The IPL 2022 final between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans witnessed 11 crore viewers tuning in as the Titans, led by Hardik Pandya, lifted their maiden trophy. This final saw an explosive increase in digital viewership as fans watched the game on multiple platforms.

The Rise of IPL Viewership in 2024

With Disney Star airing the tournament across 14 feeds in 10 languages, including a dedicated feed in Indian Sign Language, IPL 2024 continues to reach new heights. The first 10 matches of the season have already amassed 35 crore viewers, breaking all previous records, including the seasons held during the pandemic.