IPL followed by 67% male and 38% female audience: Ipsos IndiaBus Survey

Delhi: According to a survey conducted by Ipsos IndiaBus, IPL has struck a chord with cricket enthusiasts with 88% of those polled and following the IPL claiming to be excited about the annual sporting event. The excitement was uniformly high across demographics, though it was particularly elevated in certain regions, notably the South Zone at 96%, North Zone at 93%, and metropolitan areas at 91%.

Urban Indians who are enthusiastic about the sporting event are watching IPL 2024 across various access mediums: 75% via television, 49% through online or mobile devices, 20% on OTT platforms, and 4% via radio. Notably, OTT viewership is higher among those in SEC A at 44%, and metropolitan areas at 34%. 

Parijat Chakraborty, Group Service Line Leader Public Affairs, Corporate Reputation, CSR and ESG, Ipsos India, said, “ This year there are 10 teams and 74 matches. Also, the matches are aired from evening to night, over 3 hours, making it conducive for cricket enthusiasts to watch the game without disruption.”

The survey delved into the psyche of IPL enthusiasts to understand their motivations for enjoying the IPL.

The survey also revealed that 53% of urban Indians, or one in every two, reported that they are following the sporting event. 

Interestingly, the survey found that 67% of males claimed to be following the event, compared to 38% of females.

Commenting on the findings, Chakraborty said, “Tata IPL 2024 is a 60-day annual big treat for cricket enthusiasts, which has a heady mix of great batting and bowling and world-class players unleashing their prowess under pressure and the short format of cricket, creating a high level of engagement and excitement around this annual fiesta. The stakes are high, and this is one recession-proof brand. As the event picks up, those following the game are likely to increase.”    

“BCCI has set up 50 fan parks in different cities of India, to enhance the whole experience for audiences, bringing the game closer to the fans. Fan parks during the weekends have giant size screens, music, subsidised food for cricket fans to enjoy the IPL at another level,“ added Chakraborty.