Cricket is changing, has this thought crossed your mind off late? Especially after watching the IPL 2024.
With less than a month to go for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, fans are waiting with bated breath for the matches. However, it is worth noticing how the fans would watch the games. Thus resulting in the advertisers needing to change their strategies as their reach might take a serious hit. It is speculated that fans’ viewing experience has changed, with comfort taking precedence, and rightfully so.
Cricket Viewership – going the digital way
2023 served as a turning point for digital sports streaming platforms. As per reports, close to 29.5 million people watched the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 on digital platforms instead of traditional TV. Why?
Because digital is flexible – you can watch wherever you are, and the addition of cool features make watching more fun. The digital revolution in sports broadcasting is here to stay.
View Sports, the way you like it
Cricket fans do not all watch in the same way. Some prefer the classic TV experience, with its large screen and sense of being part of a throng.
Others like digital because it is more convenient—they can watch wherever and whenever they want, and they can view real-time statistics and analysis. To reach everyone, advertisers must first understand these variances.
TV vs Digital – where’s the viewership?
There’s always been a debate about television versus digital. Younger people, aged 15 to 34, tend to prefer watching cricket online. But the older generation still like to watch the game on their television sets. It is estimated that over 73 percent of the audience in India, has shifted to digital viewership, for the benefits they come along with.
This means advertisers need to choose where to show their ads based on who they want to reach.
Digital platforms are catching up to TV
Television used to be the main way people watched cricket, but now digital platforms are catching up fast. There aren’t many people who watch both TV and digital, so advertisers need to think about where they’ll get the most views for their money.
Spending money on ads needs a smart plan|
Advertising during big cricket events, especially during ICC tournaments costs a lot, especially on TV. But here’s the thing: digital ads can reach just as many people, and they cost less.
So, advertisers need to chalk a plan about how to spend their money wisely to get the most impact without spending too much.
Winning at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024
For brands that want to do well at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, having a smart strategy is key. It’s not just about choosing between TV and digital – it’s about making ads that work well on both.
By looking at what people watched in 2023, especially during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and how they behaved, advertisers can make a plan to reach their target audience.
Going with the digital flow
More and more people are watching cricket online, and advertisers need to keep up. As we get ready for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, understanding how people watch sports online is really important. By using data and knowing what works on both TV and digital, advertisers can make sure they reach lots of people.
The stage is set and the competition is tough. The question is, will the advertisers step up or get left behind in the digital age?
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
