The ongoing 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has set new benchmarks for viewership, solidifying the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants. The first Test in Perth, which began the five-match series, has delivered record-breaking numbers for Star Sports Network, reflecting the massive appeal of this iconic cricketing contest.
The opening Test match in Perth attracted an astounding 70.8 million viewers, with fans collectively clocking a remarkable 8.6 billion minutes of watch time. This staggering figure highlights the immense interest in the series, which has captivated audiences around the world. Compared to the first Test of India's 2020 tour to Australia, the numbers are a massive leap—showing a 76% growth in reach and a remarkable 160% surge in engagement. This level of interest also resulted in a 38% increase in Television Rating Points (TVR), making the Perth Test the highest-rated bilateral away Test since the inception of BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) in 2015.
The excitement surrounding the series continued to grow as the second Test unfolded. Day 1 alone garnered 29.5 million viewers, representing a 21% increase in reach compared to the pink-ball Test played in 2020. The total watch time for Day 1 was a staggering 1.87 billion minutes, marking a 44% increase compared to the same fixture four years ago. This impressive engagement shows just how much the India-Australia rivalry has grown in stature and importance over the years.
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are now focused on the remaining three Tests. For India, the stakes are incredibly high. A loss in any of the remaining matches could jeopardize their chances of securing a direct qualification spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. As such, every match in this series is crucial, both in terms of the contest for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and for India's ambitions in the World Test Championship.
The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy has not only brought the intensity of India-Australia cricket to the forefront but has also been a testament to the growing popularity of Test cricket globally. Fans are engaging with the game like never before, making this series one of the most-watched and highly anticipated cricketing events in recent times.
