IPL 2025 Final Shatters TV Viewership Records, Outshines India-Pakistan 2021 T20 World Cup Clash
Welcome to a historic moment in cricket broadcasting! The IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) has redefined television viewership in India, achieving an unprecedented 169 million viewers, as per the latest Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data. This staggering figure has eclipsed the long-standing record set by the iconic India vs Pakistan encounter during the 2021 T20 World Cup, which drew 166 million viewers.
The electrifying finale, held on June 3, 2025, marked a significant milestone for RCB as they clinched their first IPL title in 18 years after a thrilling contest at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Despite being scheduled on a weekday—a factor that often dampens viewership—the match recorded a Television Rating (TVR) of 11, making it the third-highest-rated IPL match in history. For context, TVR is a critical metric combining reach and time spent, highlighting the intense viewer engagement this clash generated.
Diving deeper into the numbers, the IPL 2025 Final amassed a jaw-dropping 15 billion minutes of total watch-time, surpassing the previous record of 14.2 billion minutes set during the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2024 Final. This speaks volumes about the IPL’s enduring appeal and the emotional investment of fans in witnessing RCB’s long-awaited triumph, led by their inspirational captain and backed by a roaring sea of red at the stadium and on screens nationwide.
But the IPL 2025 season wasn’t just about the final. The tournament kicked off with a bang on March 22, pulling in over 253 million viewers during its opening weekend and clocking a colossal 27.7 billion minutes of watch-time. Another standout fixture was the classic rivalry between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), which attracted 163 million viewers, cementing its place as the second most-watched match of the season.
However, the journey to the final wasn’t without hurdles. The IPL 2025 schedule faced an unexpected disruption, leading to a brief suspension. The remaining 17 matches resumed on May 17 and extended beyond the original closing date of May 25, finally concluding on June 3. Despite these challenges, fan enthusiasm remained unscathed, as evidenced by the record-breaking numbers.
As we reflect on this extraordinary season, it’s clear that the IPL continues to be more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a cultural phenomenon. With RCB finally lifting the coveted trophy and viewership records tumbling, the league has once again proven its unrivaled ability to unite millions of fans across the globe. What will IPL 2026 bring? Only time will tell, but for now, let’s celebrate this unforgettable chapter in cricket history!