Dropping Viewership
The BCCI and the official broadcaster expected the matches to be more exciting as the number of IPL teams were increased. It was believed that this tournament would break all the records in terms of viewership. However, it did not touch the expected mark.
It was said about the 15th season of IPL that it would be the best season ever. The number of matches has increased with the addition of 2 new teams. This season there has been a decline in TV ratings and viewership as compared to the last season.
Every year after the start of the IPL, the data related to TV ratings and viewership comes out in the first week. This makes it easier to understand how the tournament will go next. Despite frequent promos and advertisements, this time there has been a decline in ratings and viewership. IPL has always been a record-breaking performance in TV ratings and viewership, but this is not the first time.
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What happened to TV ratings and viewership?
- According to media reports, the TV rating in the first eight matches was 2.52. In 2021 it was 3.75. This time there has been a decline of 33 percent. Earlier in 2020, the TV rating was 3.85.
- Not only ratings but viewership has also come down. The viewership in the first eight matches stood at 229.06 million. Last year it was 267.7 million. This time there has been a decline of 14 percent.
- Broadcasters usually top BARC’s list during the IPL, but this time it has not happened. Star Sports 1 Hindi is at the third position. This proves that the magic of IPL was not seen in the first week.
BCCI has issued tenders for IPL media rights. Bidding will take place on June 12. The bidders will also take into account the latest released data. Its effect can be seen in the sale of media rights. So far, five big groups Disney Star, TV18-Viacom (Sports-18), Amazon, Zee and Sony have procured the documents for the tender.
Due to dropped ratings and viewership, asserting investment will be effected too. Clearly, fans don’t find IPL exciting and cheerful. Mostly, it has become an entertaining aspect of sports. Teams rely less on competitiveness and loyalty to the club and more to the joyful and entertainment factor.