ICC MEN’S T20 World Cup 2026, being held in India and Sri Lanka, has made a strong start on JioStar, delivering the biggest opening day across JioHotstar and the Star Sports network for any ICC event.
Total consumption across JioStar’s digital and linear platforms rose by 59 per cent compared with the 2024 edition, reaching 14.7 billion minutes on the opening day. The combined performance marked the biggest opening day in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup history.
As the day concluded with India defeating the USA in their opening fixture, JioHotstar recorded a reach of 101.9 million, an increase of 81 per cent over the 2024 edition.
India’s opening match against the USA drove strong viewership across platforms, with linear TV ratings rising by 41 per cent and digital reach growing by 98 per cent compared with India’s first game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against Ireland.
With more than 130 experts delivering coverage in nine languages, JioHotstar is enhancing the viewing experience through features such as MaxView in English and Hindi on mobile, as well as Indian Sign Language coverage for India matches and the knockout stages.
JioStar CEO – Sports Ishan Chatterjee said, “The record-breaking viewership for the opening day of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka demonstrates India’s appetite for innovative broadcast and high-octane on-field action. JioStar’s expansive presentation in nine languages coupled with exciting matches have kept fans engaged right since the first match. Such massive engagement creates a powerful ecosystem that ensures our partners and stakeholders derive the maximum value, reaching a diverse, engaged audience at an unmatched scale.”
ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya commented, “We are delighted to see the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 begin with such unprecedented momentum. The surge in viewership across linear and digital platforms is a testament to the strength and scale of our partnership with JioStar in delivering a truly world-class broadcast experience, alongside the valued contribution of our broader broadcast and commercial partners. Reaching 14.7 billion minutes of consumption on day one alone reflects the extraordinary passion for the tournament and the quality of cricket on display. We look forward to building on this momentum as the event progresses.”
