As we bid farewell to 2024, a year that brought with it some of the most thrilling cricket matches in recent history, it’s worth reflecting on which games captured the digital world’s attention. The landscape of cricket viewing has shifted dramatically, with streaming platforms offering fans unprecedented access to live cricket action.
Here’s a deep dive into the most-streamed cricket matches of 2024, showcasing the moments that had fans glued to their screens across the globe.
With the help of ExpressVPN’s report on most streamed sports of 2024, we’re deep diving into the most-streamed cricket matches of 2024, showcasing the moments that had fans glued to their screens across the globe.”
1. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final – India vs. South Africa
The pinnacle of cricket streaming in 2024 was undoubtedly the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where India faced off against South Africa. This match, co-hosted in the United States and the Caribbean, was not just a contest for the trophy but a celebration of cricket’s global reach. The final was a nail-biter, with India clinching victory in the last over, drawing a peak concurrent viewership of nearly 53 million on Disney+ Hotstar alone. The game not only broke streaming records but also set a new benchmark for digital engagement with 16.9 billion video views across platforms, highlighting cricket’s growing digital fanbase. It was also a match in which India’s star Virat Kohli played a match-winning innings and won man of the match award.
2. India vs. Pakistan in the T20 World Cup
The India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup was a cultural phenomenon, transcending the sport itself. Held at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, this match was free to stream on Disney+ Hotstar for mobile users, which significantly boosted its viewership. It garnered 256 million viewing hours in India alone, showcasing the intense rivalry and the unifying power of cricket across borders. This match was not just about the cricket; it was an event that brought fans together, making it one of the year’s most streamed matches.
3. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 – Finals
The IPL has always been a juggernaut in cricket streaming, and 2024 was no different. The final between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans was not only a testament to the league’s competitive spirit but also to its digital dominance. With a viewership of 350 million for the first ten matches of the season, the IPL continued to set records, with the final itself drawing immense attention due to its high stakes and the narrative of Gujarat Titans’ successful debut season. This match highlighted the IPL’s role in driving cricket’s digital consumption, particularly in India.
4. Australia vs. England – T20 World Cup
The Ashes rivalry translated into the T20 format with Australia facing England in the World Cup. This match was part of a double-header that saw fans taking leave to watch, illustrating the passion for cricket in these countries. The streaming success of this game was bolstered by the historic context of the Ashes, even in a T20 guise, making it a must-watch for fans worldwide. The match was streamed across multiple platforms, contributing significantly to the tournament’s overall digital engagement.
5. Afghanistan vs. West Indies – T20 World Cup
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been one of the year’s heartwarming stories, and their match against the hosts, West Indies, in the T20 World Cup was a highlight. This game saw Afghanistan, with talents like Rashid Khan, taking on a West Indies side eager to reclaim their glory in front of their home crowd. The drama and the stakes involved made this one of the most streamed matches, especially given the narrative of underdogs challenging the established order.
6. England’s Tour of India – Test Series
While T20 cricket often steals the streaming spotlight, the Test series between England and India in 2024 was a reminder of the enduring appeal of the longest format. England’s stunning victory in one of the Tests, thanks to Ollie Pope’s monumental 190 and debutant Tom Hartley’s 7/62, was a match that showcased cricket’s narrative depth. The series was extensively streamed on platforms like Kayo Sports in Australia and other regional streaming services, proving that Test cricket can still attract massive digital audiences when the stakes are high and the play is exceptional.
7. Women’s T20 World Cup
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE was another standout event for streaming, with over 91,000 fans filling the stands across matches, a 30% jump from the previous edition. The final between New Zealand and South Africa was particularly memorable, drawing 21,457 spectators to the Dubai International Stadium, but the digital viewership was equally impressive. This tournament underscored the growing interest in women’s cricket and its potential to captivate audiences on digital platforms.
