Sunday, 5th July 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 20th February 2026, 9:53 AM
The much-anticipated India versus Pakistan encounter in the ICC T20 World Cup has shattered previous viewership records, according to Reliance JioStar, the tournament’s official digital and broadcast partner.
The match drew an unprecedented 163 million viewers on digital platforms alone, marking the highest audience ever for any ICC event in the T20 format. This figure surpasses the previous record set during the 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa.
In comparison with the 2024 India-Pakistan T20 clash, this year’s match saw a 56% increase in viewership, signalling an extraordinary surge in audience interest. Notably, such numbers are unprecedented for a league-stage match streamed via mobile devices, highlighting the growing dominance of digital platforms in global cricket consumption.
| Match | Year | Digital Viewers | Watch Time (Minutes) | % Increase from Previous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Pakistan | 2026 | 163,000,000 | 2,000,000,000 | 56% (viewers), 42% (watch time) |
| India vs South Africa (Final) | 2024 | 120,000,000 | 1,400,000,000 | – |
Beyond sheer numbers, the total watch time was equally remarkable, reaching 2 billion minutes, which represents a 42% increase over previous tournaments. Fans remained highly engaged throughout, reflecting the match’s intense competitiveness and cultural significance.
The fixture was initially under threat after Pakistan had announced it would boycott the game, protesting against the ICC and expressing solidarity with Bangladesh. However, following appeals from the Sri Lanka Cricket and Bangladesh Cricket Board, Pakistan reversed its decision. The match ultimately went ahead in Colombo, where India emerged victorious by 61 runs, intensifying excitement among fans worldwide.
This record-breaking viewership underscores the enduring magnetism of India-Pakistan cricket encounters, which continue to captivate millions across the globe, blending sport with national pride and digital-age accessibility.
Comments