THE STATUS OF THE INDIAN Premier League as the world’s predominant T20 competition remains undisputed. BUT the BCCI now has a growing concern on its hands. The ongoing 19th season of the IPL is witnessing a significant drop in viewership. And this does NOT look like a temporary aberration.
As per the latest data from BARC India and TAM Sports, the first half of IPL 2026 has registered an 18.8% drop in TV ratings, as well as a 26% decline in average viewership.
These numbers indicate that while viewers are tuning in, stickiness is declining. And this definitely does not bode well for the BCCI
RMG ban
The Indian government’s decision last year to ban real money gaming platforms, classifying them as gambling, while laudable, has significantly reshaped IPL advertising and fan engagement.
RMG platforms were banned last year after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, was passed in Parliament. Leading platforms such as Dream11 and My11Circle were major contributors towards cricket’s economy around the world with the former having been the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team until the PROG Act.
The fact that IPL’s viewership decline coincides with the RMG ban indicates that a sizeable chunk of the league’s viewers in the past used to remain engaged with the league due to them investing money on these platforms. And with said fantasy gaming platforms, which had some of the biggest names in the sport advertising for them, out of the picture, these viewers lost a key pull factor to stay immersively engaged.
Viewer fatigue
The IPL’s increased duration is also having a role to play. The league previously used to have a total of 56 matches in the group stage followed by the four playoff fixtures including the final. With the inclusion of two new franchises in 2022 (taking the league to a ten-team affair), an IPL season now witnesses a total of 74 matches, spanning 65 days.
In such a scenario, many fans are moving toward highlights on TV and short clips on streaming platforms.
Boring batting fests
Many fans and experts are turned off by the lack of balance between bat and ball in the IPL. Due to the use of flat pitches and impact player rules, batters have dominated in the tournament while bowlers have often been reduced to bystanders.
Many games have witnessed both teams crossing 200+ totals, while mammoth totals were also chased down with ease. For instance, Punjab Kings chased down a 265-run total against the Delhi Capitals.
IPL media rights price rationalisation on anvil
*With no “Big Fight” on the cards when IPL’s next cycle of media rights come up for bidding, BCCI’s money printing machine will perforce be in line for price rationalisation.
*Media rights currently comprise 70-75% of total IPL franchise revenue, up from 48% in 2017.
*The 2023–27 cycle saw a ~143% surge in annual value, while the 2028–32 cycle is expected to plateau at $5.4 billion, reflecting a 13% decline in per-match value as match counts increase.
