Mumbai: Cricket Live, the exclusive in-depth analysis show on Star Sports, has redefined storytelling during the ICC World Cup 2023, presenting compelling narratives of Indian and foreign players. From Bumrah’s much-anticipated return to Shami’s stellar performances, Virat’s pursuit of glory, and Rohit’s captaincy, the coverage resonated with fans worldwide. The stories extended beyond borders, highlighting Rachin’s journey, Pakistan’s cricketing odyssey, and exclusive confessions from Australian players about their rivals. Adding a personal touch, Cricket Live celebrated the birthdays of stars like Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli, fostering a deeper connection with fans. Not limiting the narrative to players, an anthem titled ‘Tum ho apne saath mein’ was curated for Team India, aiming to galvanize fans in unwavering support of the entire squad. The most watched Cricket show has collaborated with influencers and content creators from across the country to build the fandom for Team India. Fans have also been able to ask compelling questions to the StarCast and get featured on the broadcast via #AskStar.
As per BARC, till Match 34 of the tournament, Cricket Live has captivated a staggering 273 million viewers, with an impressive watch time of 19 billion minutes, a growth of 6 per cent compared to the 2019 edition. Additionally, the show witnessed an uptick of 10 per cent in average time spent by viewers, compared to the 2019 edition. In the pre-show, the first half-hour has experienced the most significant surge, with consumption levels up by 27 per cent, and average time spent per viewer up by 18 per cent. The post-shows have also flourished, boasting an incredible 117 per cent higher consumption and an impressive 38 per cent higher reach compared to the previous edition. Cricket Live on regional feeds (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada) has grown in consumption by 122 per cent (3.4 billion minutes), compared to the last edition and its viewership has increased by 46 per cent (62.2 Mn), compared to 2019.
In its commitment to delivering an all-encompassing cricketing experience, Cricket Live on Star Sports has gone above and beyond with exclusive interviews featuring Team India heroes. A special content campaign, “We for Virat,” celebrated Kohli’s historic feats, offering a comprehensive glimpse into various facets of his life, personality, and illustrious career. The coverage extended to behind-the-scenes moments, backstories of players from the ICC World Cup 2023, and engaging debates pitting experts against each other on burning topics and contextual big stories of the day. Special segments like “What’s Trending,” “Unboxing,” “Wow Factor,” “Versus,” and “Cheeky Singles” capture all aspects of the World Cup, ensuring a diverse and engaging viewing experience.
Cricket Live on Star Sports is also at the forefront of technological innovation. Utilizing a decibel meter for real-time crowd noise data, holographic teleportation to virtually transport commentators, and 3D-rendered graphics placing players next to iconic monuments like the Gateway of India, have made Cricket Live a visually dynamic experience. The usage of augmented reality (AR) graphics to display stats seamlessly on the pitch, and Quad replay technology to enhance the replay experience for a comprehensive view of key moments have made the cricket viewing and analysing experience more immersive for fans globally.
With a remarkable line-up of former players who have graced the Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1975, the StarCast for Cricket Live served as a treasure trove of in-depth analysis, insights, and expertise. The iconic World Cup winners, including legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, K Srikanth, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, and S Sreesanth, graced the panel, bringing their invaluable experience and championship wisdom to the audience. The panel further boasted multiple Former Indian chairmen of Selectors, such as MSK Prasad, Sandeep Patil, and Sunil Joshi, along with the esteemed former India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar.
Adding to the international flavor were former cricket legends and World Cup winners Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Faf Du Plesis, Imran Tahir, Shane Bond, and Paul Collingwood. Their presence amplified the depth of analysis and championship-winning insights, creating a dynamic and insightful panel for Cricket Live viewers.
In a celebration of India’s linguistic diversity and cricketing fervour, Star Sports provided an immersive experience for fans with exclusive broadcasts in various regional languages. The Tamil feed featured former World Cup winners K Srikanth and S Sreesanth, complemented by insights from players S Ramesh and Russel Arnold. The Telugu feed was enriched by former India Chief Selector MSK Prasad, seasoned campaigner, and former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj, and experienced cricketer Venugopal Rao. The Kannada feed showcased the esteemed presence of former Indian legend Gundappa Viswanath and former India cricketers Vijay Bharadwaj, Vinay Kumar, and Sunil Joshi, alongside local cricketing talents. This diverse and talented roster ensured that Cricket Live not only entertained but also educated cricket enthusiasts with unparalleled insights and perspectives.
Adding a touch of glamour and excitement, Cricket Live has welcomed a plethora of celebrities, including Bollywood Superstars Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon and the entire cast of ‘The Archies’. South superstars like Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, Venkatesh Raghupathi, Ravi Teja and more also graced the regional shows. All these celebrities shared their love for Team India, adding a captivating dimension to the cricket-watching experience.
As the World Cup enters its knockout stages, Star Sports is committed to redefine the boundaries of delivering a compelling viewing experience. Upcoming appearances from global pop sensation Dua Lipa, and Bollywood and South stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Naga Chaitanya promises an unforgettable spectacle for viewers and fans alike. Cricket Live’s coverage is set to expand with extended 2-hour pre-shows starting from 12 PM across five languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada throughout the knockout stages.
Cricket Live on Star Sports continues to be the ultimate destination for cricket enthusiasts, offering unparalleled insights, entertainment, and star-studded appearances, making it an integral part of the ICC World Cup 2023 experience.
