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IPL: Digital’s concurrent viewership touches 2.3 crore; TV continues to struggle
Mumbai: The BARC data for the first ten matches show that the sixteenth season of Indian Premier League continues to see a declining viewership trend on TV. On Digital, however, the viewership has seen a major uptick.
While IPL ratings grew on TV between 2018 to 2020, the ratings have seen a continuous decline, dropping to as low as 3.68 TVR last season. The 4.72 TVR achieved this season is the second lowest in the last six seasons, despite telecasting matches on FTA. (TVR = Percentage of target audience who viewed the matches, averaged across match duration).
In terms of reach, IPL Season 16 has reached 274 Million viewers out of which 25 Million viewers were added from OOH and FTA channel. Without OOH & FTA viewers, IPL Reach is the 2nd lowest in the last six seasons.
Whereas on digital, IPL is turning out to be a totally different story with record breaking numbers. On Wednesday, Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals TATA IPL 2023 match on Digital (JioCinema) clocked the highest ever concurrent viewership of 2.3 crore viewers. The previous record is 1.86 crore viewers on Disney Hotstar during the finals of 2019 season.
As per TAM & BARC, advertisers on TV during IPL have also reduced by over 40 per cent dropping from 64 advertisers last year to 35. Whereas, The digital streaming of IPL has got a record 23 sponsors and hundreds of advertisers.
Whereas, free streaming of IPL on digital for all viewers in India has resulted in a record-breaking number of views in the first week – over 550 Cr. This followed a robust first weekend which amassed 147 Cr. views, yet another record for being the highest-ever opening weekend for the TATA IPL on digital.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
