PEPSI IPL 2015 opens with a 41 % increase in viewership

The much-awaited cricket phenomenon has surpassed all expectations, scorching TV screens with a bumper opening week, said BCCI.

Pepsi IPL achieved a cumulative reach of 105 million viewers in the first 5 matches of PEPSI IPL 2015 on SONY MAX & SIX & SONY AATH, as compared to the last season that reached out to 91 million viewers, it said.

The opening game between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders got a rousing start with a rating of 5.4 TVR for the target C&S 4+ as compared to 4.4 TVR last year. The tournament has clocked an average rating of 4.45 TVR for these first 5 matches as compared to 3.15 TVR last year.

Markets have recorded growth across India with 22 markets delivering above the All India average of 4.45. Markets which have responded with a phenomenal growth are Chennai, MP, Rajasthan, AP, Maharashtra and Gujarat. To cater to a larger audience this year, Pepsi IPL is now being viewed in more languages like Bengali, Tamil and Telugu.

Anurag Thakur, Hony. Secretary, BCCI, said, "We are delighted with the numbers on the back of an exciting Cricket World Cup. In addition to the TV ratings, which have opened extremely well, the audience number on digital platforms and the attendance at the stadiums and at the Fan Park has been spectacular. We expect this only to get better and bigger."