Check cricket a success: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy breaks digital viewership information

At a time when the way forward for Check cricket is below intense debate, the five-match sequence between England and India has set a brand new benchmark for viewership. The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy has turn out to be the most-watched Check sequence on a digital platform, broadcaster JioHotstar introduced in a press release on Tuesday, 12 August.

Reflecting the enduring attraction of marquee Check contests, greater than 170 million viewers logged on to the platform over the course of the 5 matches, performed from 20 June to 4 August. Based on the broadcaster, this represents the best attain for any Check sequence on a digital platform.

The fifth day of the ultimate Check at The Oval recorded a peak concurrency of 13 million viewers on JioHotstar – the best ever for a Check match streamed on-line. Fuelled by nail-biting finishes and dramatic twists, the England–India sequence captivated audiences in India, producing a staggering 65 billion minutes of watch time on the platform.

“The extraordinary response to India’s tour of England reinforces Check cricket’s potential to provide compelling narratives in virtually each session of each match. Reaching over 170 million viewers and setting new concurrency information is testomony not solely to the thrilling cricket on show, but additionally to our dedication to delivering an immersive storytelling and viewing expertise,” mentioned Siddharth Sharma, Head of Content material – Sports activities, JioStar.

All 5 Exams within the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy went the gap, with packed crowds the norm at each venue. The Oval Check was carried right into a fifth day after rain curtailed the ultimate hour’s play on the Sunday. Regardless of England needing solely 35 runs and India requiring 4 wickets, a report crowd returned on Monday morning for the concluding session of the sequence. Regardless that many knew play may final not than an hour, 1000’s nonetheless turned up, making certain one other blockbuster day of cricket in England.

The followers have been richly rewarded as India and England served up fiercely contested cricket that ebbed and flowed all through the sequence. On the ultimate day, India clinched victory by six runs, claiming the final 4 wickets to stage the sequence.

THE HOT DEBATE

Through the years, five-Check sequence between India and England, Australia and India, and the Ashes have persistently delivered blockbuster cricket. But issues stay in regards to the viability of Check cricket, significantly its inclusivity for lower-ranked groups. Whereas such sequence involving the so-called ‘Large Three’ – England, India, and Australia – proceed to thrive, they spotlight a widening hole in alternatives.

England’s internet hosting of one other thrilling sequence, coming so quickly after the 2023 Ashes, follows feedback by England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief govt Richard Thompson opposing a proposed two-tier World Check Championship (WTC). He argued that England danger lacking out on the Ashes and different high-profile sequence ought to they be relegated and fail to face Australia or India.

Though the WTC has added significance to bilateral sequence, there are rising issues in regards to the uneven distribution of fixtures, with the ‘Large Three’ dominating probably the most profitable and high-profile contests.

In July 2025, the ICC shaped an eight-member working group to evaluate the feasibility of introducing a two-tier WTC. The committee, headed by the ICC’s newly appointed Chief Govt Officer Sanjog Gupta, was established throughout the ICC’s annual normal assembly in Singapore, presided over by Chair Jay Shah.

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