In an impressive display of viewership, Disney+ Hotstar achieved a record-breaking 5.9 crore concurrent viewers during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final match between India and Australia on November 19. This figure surpassed the previous record of 5.3 crore set on November 15 during the semi-final clash between India and New Zealand. Over the past month, Disney+ Hotstar has consistently set new milestones in viewership thanks to the excitement surrounding the Men’s ICC World Cup 2023.
Alongside the streaming platform, Disney Star also aired the final match live on its Star Sports network. However, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), responsible for measuring television audiences, is scheduled to release the viewership data on the following week. Notably, the India vs. Pakistan match during the group stage of the Men’s ICC World Cup 2023 garnered a viewership of 3.5 crore on the streaming platform.
Sajith Sivanandan, Head of Disney+ Hotstar India, reflected on the milestone, emphasizing the tournament’s significance. He stated, “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 will be remembered not just for its sporting excellence but for the incredible passion it ignited among fans. Congratulations to both Australia and India on an incredible tournament, and a heartfelt thank you to our viewers, whose passionate support has driven us to continuously elevate the live sports streaming experience. With a staggering 5.9 crore concurrent viewers tuning in on Disney+ Hotstar for the final—almost twice as high as any peak concurrency record set before the tournament—the unwavering support of Indian cricket fans has consistently propelled us to new heights in live sports streaming. It has been a privilege matching their zeal with our innovation.”
Disney Star secured exclusive broadcast and media rights for both linear and digital platforms for the recently concluded Men’s ICC World Cup 2023. Sivanandan highlighted that the 5.9 crore concurrent viewers during the final surpassed all previous peak concurrency records established prior to this tournament, with the previous record held by the IPL 2023 final match featuring the Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans, which attracted 3.2 crore concurrent viewers.
This year, reports indicated that Disney is exploring the potential sale of its India streaming and television operations. Preliminary discussions reportedly included Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, while conversations about a potential sale or joint venture with the private equity firm Blackstone were also reported.
Meanwhile, PVR INOX, a leading multiplex operator, made the final match accessible to fans by screening it at 150 theatres across 60 locations, including major cities and regions classified as Tier-1, 2, and 3. Over 70,000 cricket enthusiasts watched the match in theatres, achieving more than 70 percent occupancy.
