India is the biggest sports market in the world with Cricket as the most favourite sport. With two international and one 20-20 World Cup wins, Cricket in india has become a dominant sport accounting for the vast majority of sports revenues (whether TV rights, sponsorship or event). The key driver behind this phenomenon is the captive audience that the sport presents to media companies who are looking to broaden their coverage to give them increased advertising revenue potential.
In the last ten years, many sports and franchises have recognized this trend and successfully tapped into this opportunity. According to a survey of SMG insight, Cricket is the most ‘Popularity and Participation of Sports in India’ on the basis of the facts:
85% respondents watch cricket, on TV or in the media, with interest across age groups, income and even gender with 76% of women following this sport.
62% play cricket at least four times a year.
Sport provides the top 6 events followed by the Indian public, with interest ranging from 53% (Tests) to 72% (IPL).