Border Gavaskar Trophy achieves greater standards

Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of Cricket Australia in India, has achieved remarkable milestones with the record-breaking viewership of the second Test between Australia and India. The much-anticipated day-night Test in Adelaide captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 49 million viewers, marking a 22% increase compared to the corresponding D/N Test in the 2020 series. This surge in viewership underscores the growing enthusiasm for the pink-ball format and the storied rivalry between these cricketing giants. Equally noteworthy was the rise in watch-time, which skyrocketed to 4.2 billion minutes—a remarkable 26% growth over the same fixture in 2020. The consistent engagement demonstrates the immense interest and excitement surrounding the gripping contest.

Additionally, the TVR (Television Rating Point) for the Adelaide Test saw a significant uptick, climbing 32% compared to the 2020 day-night Test between the two teams. These impressive figures highlight the series' immense popularity and the pivotal role Star Sports plays in delivering high-quality cricket coverage. The broadcaster's efforts to enhance the viewing experience, coupled with the excitement of a closely fought match, have contributed to these exceptional numbers, further solidifying cricket's position as a unifying sport in India.

The first two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 have collectively reached an astounding 86 million viewers on television, marking a 55% increase compared to the 2020 edition. The watch-time has also seen a phenomenal surge, climbing to 12.8 billion minutes—a remarkable 75% growth from the previous series. These unprecedented numbers underscore the enduring popularity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and highlight the unparalleled excitement surrounding what is often termed cricket’s ‘toughest rivalry.’

As the five-Test series stands delicately poised at 1-1 after three riveting contests in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, the stakes have never been higher. The results of the upcoming matches are not only crucial for deciding the series but also pivotal for determining qualification to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final. Team India now faces the daunting challenge of delivering flawless performances in the remaining two matches. The action shifts to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground for the Boxing Day Test, beginning on December 26, followed by the New Year’s Test in Sydney starting on January 3. Both encounters promise high-intensity drama as India looks to outmaneuver their formidable Australian counterparts in pursuit of cricketing glory and a place in the WTC final.