The much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 re-wrote viewership history, attracting a record 20.6 crore television viewers. This unbelievable figure became the second-highest TV audience for a cricket match in BARC history after World Cup matches. The headline-grabbing contest, played on February 23 in Dubai, even beat the viewership of the India-Pakistan showdown in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
The match ratings (TVR) were around 11% more than the 2023 ODI World Cup match between the two great rivals in Ahmedabad. The historic match, during which Virat Kohli became the quickest player to score 14,000 ODI runs, also clocked an astonishing 2609 crore minutes of TV watch-time.
A JioStar – Sports spokesperson welcomed the record-breaking figures, saying, “JioStar is redefining India’s experience of marquee sporting events. With a strong emphasis on immersive storytelling, universalized access, and strategic marketing, we have elevated interest in this iconic rivalry. Our commitment remains steadfast in serving fans, deepening fandom, and attracting new audiences.”
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Adding to the show, a social media sensation came when a moment went viral, with former Indian captain MS Dhoni being seen in the audience with Bollywood star Sunny Deol. Their arrival changed the environment, and in no time, they became social media sensations with people even sharing pictures of the two from past events.
– 604 Million Views on India vs Pakistan Match.
– 681 Million Views on India vs Australia Semifinal Match.
THE CRAZE OF KING KOHLI & TEAM INDIA..!!!! 🇮🇳🐐 pic.twitter.com/cUweykMoAZ
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 5, 2025
Star Sports also had a stellar lineup of shows to enrich the viewing experience. “Thank You Pakistan… Jeetega Hindustan” featured cricketing greats Navjot Singh Sidhu, Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, and Inzamam-Ul-Haq in thoughtful debates, while “Follow the Blues” offered unparalleled behind-the-scenes access to Team India’s build-up.
On the day of the match, the event was live from 8:00 AM with “Dil Se India”, the fervor and excitement of the fans. Moreover, Oaksmith Cricket Live—Star Sports’ pre-match, mid-match, and post-match programming—was viewed by 2.2 crore viewers, further increasing the event’s reach.
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With the Champions Trophy 2025 coming to its culmination, the hype is still building up. The undefeated Men in Blue now prepare for the final showdown against New Zealand on March 9. With India targeting another ICC title following their T20 World Cup 2024 victory, the whole world will be watching Dubai. The eagerly anticipated final will be broadcast live on the JioStar network, with action beginning at 8:00 AM.
