Sun Feb 22 09:10:00 UTC 2026: ### India-Pakistan Cricket Clash Shatters Viewership Records at T20 World Cup 2026

The Story: The highly anticipated cricket match between India and Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has not only resulted in a decisive victory for India, winning by 61 runs, but has also smashed viewership records. The match, though seemingly one-sided, garnered unprecedented attention, particularly on digital platforms. The clash between the two cricketing giants continues to be a major draw, highlighting the enduring popularity of this rivalry.

Key Points:

  • India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
  • The match achieved a record 163 million viewers on the JioHotstar digital platform, surpassing all previous ICC T20 events.
  • Digital reach increased by 56% compared to the India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2024.
  • Watch time totaled 20 billion minutes across all screens, a 42% increase from the previous T20 World Cup.
  • TV ratings (TVR) saw a 71% increase, the highest for an India-Pakistan T20 match since 2021.
  • Initial controversy arose when the Pakistani team initially refused to play the match against India in Colombo, but this decision was reversed following discussions involving officials from PCB, BCB, and the ICC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry remains a powerful driver of viewership, especially on digital platforms.
  • The T20 World Cup 2026 is experiencing significant growth in digital engagement compared to previous editions.
  • India’s dominance on the field doesn’t diminish the commercial appeal and viewer interest in matches against Pakistan.
  • The initial dispute regarding the match location highlights underlying tensions and complexities in the relationship between the two cricket boards.
  • The digital viewership numbers demonstrate the increasing importance of streaming platforms in sports broadcasting.

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