Since its launch in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become one of the most-watched sporting events across the globe. The franchise-based T20
cricket has evolved into a phenomenon that attracts millions of fans, both in India and abroad. Notably, over the years, the league’s reach has expanded year after year and has exponentially grown in financial terms as well.
In its early years, IPL viewership largely was around television audiences. Fans gathered in front of their screens, making the league a favourite in no time. In the past few years, the addition of regional language commentary, multiple camera angles, and better coverage formats ensured inclusivity, attracting new audiences. With every season, the IPL grew from being a tournament watched by cricket fans to a household occasion.
Streaming platforms open gates for millions of new fans
With the expansion of smartphones and affordable data, streaming platforms opened the gates for millions of new fans who could now watch matches anytime and anywhere. The decision to stream matches for free in recent years further enhanced its accessibility, pulling in more audience.
By the mid-2020s, the IPL had firmly placed itself as both a television and digital juggernaut. Despite occasional challenges, the league’s popularity remained the same. Each season not only broke its own records but also displayed the scale of what was possible in sports broadcasting. The 2025 edition became the ultimate testament to this growth, as it shattered every benchmark.
IPL viewership from 2008 to 2025: Year-wise breakdown
| Year | Viewership | Platform (TV / Digital / Combined) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | USD 100 million | TV |
| 2009 | USD 121 million | TV |
| 2010 | USD 138 million | TV |
| 2011 | USD 160.2 million | TV |
| 2012 | Not publicly available | TV |
| 2013 | Not publicly available | TV |
| 2014 | USD 191.4 million | TV |
| 2015 | USD 192 million | TV |
| 2016 | USD 347 million | TV |
| 2016 | USD 100 million | Digital |
| 2017 | USD 1.25 billion | TV |
| 2017 | USD 411 million | TV |
| 2018 | USD 1.4 billion | TV |
| 2018 | USD 10.3 million | Digital |
| 2019 | USD 18.6 million | Digital |
| 2019 | Not publicly available | TV |
| 2020 | USD 405 billion | TV |
| 2021 | USD 400+ billion | TV |
| 2022 | USD 330 billion | TV |
| 2022 | Not publicly available. But the first week reached USD 229 million | TV |
| 2023 | USD 505 million | TV |
| 2023 | USD 32 million | Digital |
| 2024 | USD 525 million (also USD 510 million after 51 matches) | TV |
| 2024 | USD 34.3 million | Digital |
| 2025 | USD 169 million (TV) & USD 840 billion (combined) | TV & Combined |
| 2025 | USD 55 million | Digital |
Disclaimer: The viewership data and statistics presented in this article are based on publicly available reports from broadcasters, industry bodies, and media sources. Figures may vary depending on the methodology used (reach, impressions, TRP, or digital concurrency). CricTracker does not claim responsibility for discrepancies in third-party data. The content is intended for informational purposes only.
