ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 Achieves Record Viewership

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, held from June 11 to 14 at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, marked a significant milestone in cricket history, achieving record-breaking viewership across both broadcast and digital platforms. The final featured a thrilling contest between South Africa and Australia, culminating in South Africa’s victory by five wickets. This pivotal match not only showcased exceptional sporting talent but also underscored the growing global popularity of Test cricket.

According to the official statement from the International Cricket Council (ICC), the match garnered a staggering 2.94 billion minutes of viewing, making it the highest-rated non-India Test match on television for Star Sports, with a reach of 47 million viewers. Moreover, the digital viewership soared to 225 million views, surpassing the previous edition’s figures despite the higher-profile matchup of India versus Australia in the 2023 final at The Oval.

The WTC Final 2025 attracted an impressive attendance of 109,227 fans, reflecting the event's significance in the cricketing calendar. Aiden Markram, who played a crucial role in South Africa's success with a match-winning 136 runs, was named the Aramco Player of the Match. Kagiso Rabada also made headlines with a remarkable nine-wicket haul throughout the game, contributing significantly to South Africa's triumph.

Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC, expressed his views on the record viewership numbers, stating, "The remarkable viewership numbers for the ICC World Test Championship Final, across both broadcast and digital platforms, are a powerful testament to the appeal of high-quality Test cricket and the elevated context of the WTC Final. This format continues to command a loyal and passionate global following and remains an integral part of our sport’s identity." Shah emphasized that the success of the WTC Final demonstrates the international reach of cricket, transcending national boundaries. He acknowledged the efforts of JioStar, the ICC’s partner for broadcasting, for their innovative coverage that captured the essence of the match, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide.

This landmark event reaffirms the enduring allure of Test cricket, traditionally viewed as the purest form of the sport. As cricket continues to evolve, the WTC Final serves as an example of how the sport can attract and engage audiences across various demographics. The implications of these viewership records could lead to increased investment in the format and a potential shift in how cricket is marketed globally.

Looking ahead, the ICC will likely leverage these insights to enhance future tournaments and further promote Test cricket's unique value proposition. The success of the WTC Final 2025 not only sets a precedent for forthcoming events but also highlights the critical role of digital platforms in reaching diverse audiences. The potential for Test cricket to thrive in the digital age appears promising, suggesting a bright future for the format as it continues to captivate fans around the world.