Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, has shattered viewership records with the opening Test match between India and Australia in Perth. This gripping contest attracted a staggering 70.8 million viewers, marking a 70% growth in reach compared to previous Test series viewership during India’s tours to Australia. The match also achieved an unprecedented 8.6 billion minutes of watch time, reflecting a 160% surge over the first Test of India’s prior tour.
Additionally, the Test recorded a 38% increase in Television Rating (TVR), making it the highest-rated bilateral away Test in BARC’s history. The excitement didn’t stop there. The opening day of the second Test in Adelaide also posted remarkable figures. It reached 29.5 million viewers, which is 21% higher than the audience for the 2020 pink ball Test in Australia.
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Star Sports reported an impressive 1.87 billion minutes of watch time for Day 1 of the second Test, showcasing a 44% increase compared to the 2020 edition. India vs Australia has consistently been one of the most captivating rivalries in cricket. Over decades, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has evolved into a marquee event, celebrated for its intense, fiercely fought encounters.
🚨 HISTORY IN BORDER GAVASKAR TROPHY FOR VIEWERSHIP 🚨
Perth Test became the highest rated bilateral away Test match since the inception of BARC in 2015. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/OYl064R0kt
— RANJAY RAJ ANUGRAH (@RAnugrah707) December 12, 2024
Star Sports has brilliantly encapsulated this spirit with cutting-edge programming and immersive storytelling. The broadcaster’s innovative content includes expert analysis, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and player insights, delivering fans an engaging experience that underscores the significance of this cricketing battle.
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As the five-match series is finely balanced at 1-1, every upcoming game holds immense significance, particularly for Team India. With a direct qualification for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final on the line, the team cannot afford another loss. All eyes now turn to the third Test at Brisbane’s Gabba, starting December 14, where both teams will battle for supremacy in one of cricket’s most prestigious rivalries.