JioHotstar, the official digital and broadcast partner, has revealed that the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered record-breaking numbers. Notably, the match recorded the highest reach ever for any ICC T20 game, surpassing the viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.
Team India defeated Pakistan by 61 runs in the T20 World Cup group-stage match in Colombo on February 15, 2026. Ishan Kishan scored 77 runs in 40 balls, which included 10 fours and three sixes, as India posted a total of 175/7. Pakistan faltered while chasing the target and were out for 114 runs in 18 overs after losing early wickets.
India vs Pakistan clash sets new digital viewership records in T20 World Cup 2026
On Friday, the official digital and broadcast partner revealed that the India vs Pakistan match reached 163 million viewers, the highest for any ICC T20 match. It also overtook the viewership of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa.
Digital reach increased by 56% compared to the India-Pakistan match in the 2024 T20 World Cup. On mobile, the match recorded the highest reach for any league-stage game in ICC T20 history and attracted 1.2 times more viewers than their previous meeting in 2024.
The match also performed strongly on connected TV, with a reach 2.4 times greater than the India-Pakistan match of the 2024 edition. The statistics once again highlight the unmatched attraction of cricket’s biggest rivalry.
Fans watched 20 billion minutes during India vs Pakistan match
During the India vs Pakistan match, fans watched the match for a total of 20 billion minutes across all screens. This resulted in a 42% increase in total consumption compared to their comparison in the previous edition. India’s impressive performance also helped them extend their T20 World Cup head-to-head record against Pakistan to 8-1.
The match also produced strong figures on television. On linear TV, it recorded a 71% increase in TV ratings, making it the highest-rated India-Pakistan T20 game since 2021. The data showed that traditional TV continues to attract large audiences for marquee matches.
Affiliate teams are also preparing competitive games, increasing overall interest in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. By the end of the group stage, the digital reach of the tournament is already set to surpass the total reach of the entire previous edition.
Reaction to India-Pakistan conflict created the environment – Anup Govindan
India have secured their place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 21. The defending champions are now focused on retaining the title and scripting another successful campaign.
Anup Govindan, Head of Sales, Sports, Jiostar, said, “The India vs Pakistan match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 had all the ingredients for a spectacular performance in the build-up to the match itself. The record-breaking reach and consumption reflects the scale at which fans are engaging with the tournament across all platforms.”
“This tournament has already brought thrilling moments to fans around the world, and the response to the India-Pakistan clash has set the stage for an exciting ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, with the best yet to come.”
“The unprecedented viewership and participation for India vs Pakistan is a testament to the nation’s passion for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” said Siddharth Sharma, Head of Sports Content, Jiostar.
“Complementing the Indian cricket team’s spectacular exploits on the field with unmatched scale and unique content offerings, JioStar is giving viewers more than one reason to stay tuned as India strives to beat history and become back-to-back T20 World Champions for the first time.”
Also read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 final booked and sealed
