Decline in TV ratings of league could be concern for BCCI

NEW DELHI: The fall in viewership during the first eight matches of the IPL 2022 could be a concern for the BCCI ahead of the e-auction of the cash-rich league's media rights for the 2023-27 cycle.

The TV ratings (TVR) has seen a massive 33 per cent drop in the opening week and raised concerns among the advertisers and sports marketing community over monetisation potential of the league.

As per data sourced from subscribers of BARC India, the first eight matches of the IPL 2022 scored a TVR of 2.52, compared to a TVR of 3.75 in the last season. Overall reach of the first week also dropped 14 per cent to 229.06 million, down from 267.7 million in the last year for all India, 2+ years population. Even during the pre-Covid time (2019), the overall reach was at 268 million, while ratings were at 3.85 TVR, a report said.

Notably, only two matches -- the opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Sunday evening match between Punjab Kings and Bangalore Royal Challengers -- could reach more that 100 million users each. Compared to four matches in the last season opening week.

There could be multiple reasons like scheduling of games, overdose of cricket, addition of teams, etc. behind the dip of the IPL viewership.

During the last season, IPL had no afternoon games in the first week, while this season, one afternoon game has pulled down overall ratings. Also, the teams with the most followers -- RCB, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians -- did not have matches with each other, which generated most interest. IANS

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