The Indian Premier League is one of the most followed sporting events across the globe. The two-month cricketing fiesta unites some of the world&#8217;s best, where they can display their sheer brilliance. IPL has shattered TV viewership records in India, and has consistently been ranked in the Top 10 world&#8217;s most popular sporting events. The tournament had seen a steep rise in TV viewership in the last two seasons, as the covid-19 pandemic forced the fans to stay indoors.

In fact, in 2020, the viewership witnessed a 23% rise as compared to the 2019 season. The second half of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-players-who-didnt-perform-in-ipl-2021-and-doing-wonders-in-ipl-2022/">IPL</a> 2021 season also clocked impressive figures. However, the viewership has dropped this season, and one can put this decline down to many factors.

The 15th addition of IPL witnessed addition of two new franchises, and fans were expected to show more enthusiasm towards the tournament. However, this has not been the case so far, and in this article, we have a look at five reasons why TV Viewership of IPL 2022 got reduced.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-4.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627330" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

The Indian Premier League has returned after a span of just under six months. IPL 2021 concluded in October last year, as Chennai Super Kings lifted their fourth title, defeating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders/">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> in the final. One of the key reasons behind the drop in viewership this season could be the fact that there has been too much IPL action off-late.

In the pre-covid era, the tournament was held in the March-May window, however, in the last two years, the schedule has been shifted to the latter stages of the year. With the pandemic situation returning to normalcy, BCCI decided to hold the 15th edition of IPL in the usual summer window.

Fans certainly love watching the most popular T20 league in the world. However, they might have just reached a saturation point in terms of tuning into the live-action for every single game.

2) Overdose of T20 Action in the recent past

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-475544" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-Sydney-Thunder.jpg" alt="Alex Hales of the Thunder" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-475544" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales of the Thunder. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption>

In all certainty, there has been a lot of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-one-player-from-previous-season-successfully-replaced-by-franchises/">T20</a> action in the past year. Due to the covid-19 situation, international teams have preferred engaging in a three or five-match T20 bilateral series instead of competing in the longer format of white-ball cricket, ODIs. Moreover, in the last six months, we have had several domestic T20 leagues around the world, which includes IPL 2021 and the Big Bash League. Even, the Pakistan Super League was held in January-February this year, and it was broadcasted on Indian television.

Fans were also treated with a month of non-stop T20 World Cup action in October-November last year. Hence, one can say that the viewers are a bit overdosed with T20 action at the moment, given the amount of cricket that has been played in the recent past.

The Indian national team has also been involved in three T20 bilateral series in the last five months, which includes home series against New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The overdose of T20 action might be one of the primary reasons behind the fall of TV viewership in the 15th edition of IPL.

3) Mega Auction spreading favorite players of fans in different teams

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-301360" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/IPL-auction-2019.jpg" alt="IPL auction" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-301360" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

This season witnessed the biggest IPL auction, as almost all teams lost a few of their key players. With the Mega Auction being held a few months ago, and the addition of two new franchises, the stars were spread across 10 teams this time around. This meant that several fanbases of players had to shift their loyalty to another franchise, something which they might not have been ready to do.

For instance, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-flop-overseas-xi-from-second-week-of-the-tournament/">David Warner</a>, who had donned in the Sunrisers Hyderabad Jersey in the last decade, was not retained by his franchise. The Australian was instead picked up by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction. Fans have been used to seeing the likes of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians, and Yuzvendra Chahal at Royal Challengers Bangalore, both of whom found their home in new franchises this season.

With reputed stars swapping their teams, this could have had a major impact on the mindset of the IPL fans, who are used to seeing their favorite players compete for the same franchise over the years.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510469" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-5.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510469" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

IPL 2022 has been missing three of its biggest stars this season. The likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina have graced the cash-rich league ever since its inception in 2008. And now, all of a sudden, none of the three stars are playing a part in the 15th edition, due to different reasons. Mr. 360, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, after the conclusion of the IPL 2021 season.

On the other hand, Universe Boss, Chris Gayle decided to opt out of the tournament, and there is a chance, he may never return to IPL cricket. Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina went unsold at the auction, hence the former <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-predicting-where-each-team-will-end-up-on-the-points-table/">Chennai Super Kings</a> is seen in the commentary box.

These three big names had huge respective fanbases, and their absence has certainly hit the viewership this season. There is a certain level of nostalgia which might have hit the fans, given that there has also been a change in guard of leadership at two of the most reputed IPL franchises &#8211; Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

5) Two of the most popular teams, MI and CSK not doing well

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627912" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-6.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627912" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Without a doubt, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings remain two of the most popular teams in the competition. Moreover, the two franchises are the two most successful sides, with MI claiming five titles, whereas, CSK claiming four titles so far. Hence, fans expect both teams to perform well every season, given their consistency over the years.

However, this season has started on a grim note for the two IPL powerhouses. Both teams are reeling at the bottom of the table, and are unlikely to make the playoffs if things don&#8217;t start changing for the better soon. The Men in Yellow, led by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-are-lucky-to-have-his-advice-ravindra-jadeja-on-ms-dhoni-helping-out-with-captaincy-experience/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> just about managed to claim their first win recently, after losing their four opening games.

The last five seasons of the tournament have been dominated by the two rivals, with MI winning three titles, whereas, CSK winning two titles. Their poor start to the season could have upset their respective fanbases, leading to a lack of interest from their end.

The Indian Premier League is one of the most followed sporting events across the globe. The two-month cricketing fiesta unites some of the world’s best, where they can display their sheer brilliance. IPL has shattered TV viewership records in India, and has consistently been ranked in the Top 10 world’s most popular sporting events. The tournament had seen a steep rise in TV viewership in the last two seasons, as the covid-19 pandemic forced the fans to stay indoors.
In fact, in 2020, the viewership witnessed a 23% rise as compared to the 2019 season. The second half of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-players-who-didnt-perform-in-ipl-2021-and-doing-wonders-in-ipl-2022/">IPL</a> 2021 season also clocked impressive figures. However, the viewership has dropped this season, and one can put this decline down to many factors.
The 15th addition of IPL witnessed addition of two new franchises, and fans were expected to show more enthusiasm towards the tournament. However, this has not been the case so far, and in this article, we have a look at five reasons why TV Viewership of IPL 2022 got reduced.
<h3>1) IPL returning under six just months</h3>
<figure id="attachment_627330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-627330" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-627330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-4.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627330" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The Indian Premier League has returned after a span of just under six months. IPL 2021 concluded in October last year, as Chennai Super Kings lifted their fourth title, defeating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders/">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> in the final. One of the key reasons behind the drop in viewership this season could be the fact that there has been too much IPL action off-late.
In the pre-covid era, the tournament was held in the March-May window, however, in the last two years, the schedule has been shifted to the latter stages of the year. With the pandemic situation returning to normalcy, BCCI decided to hold the 15th edition of IPL in the usual summer window.
Fans certainly love watching the most popular T20 league in the world. However, they might have just reached a saturation point in terms of tuning into the live-action for every single game.

<h3>2) Overdose of T20 Action in the recent past</h3>
<figure id="attachment_475544" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-475544" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-475544" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-Sydney-Thunder.jpg" alt="Alex Hales of the Thunder" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-475544" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales of the Thunder. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
In all certainty, there has been a lot of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-one-player-from-previous-season-successfully-replaced-by-franchises/">T20</a> action in the past year. Due to the covid-19 situation, international teams have preferred engaging in a three or five-match T20 bilateral series instead of competing in the longer format of white-ball cricket, ODIs. Moreover, in the last six months, we have had several domestic T20 leagues around the world, which includes IPL 2021 and the Big Bash League. Even, the Pakistan Super League was held in January-February this year, and it was broadcasted on Indian television.
Fans were also treated with a month of non-stop T20 World Cup action in October-November last year. Hence, one can say that the viewers are a bit overdosed with T20 action at the moment, given the amount of cricket that has been played in the recent past.
The Indian national team has also been involved in three T20 bilateral series in the last five months, which includes home series against New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The overdose of T20 action might be one of the primary reasons behind the fall of TV viewership in the 15th edition of IPL.
<h3>3) Mega Auction spreading favorite players of fans in different teams</h3>
<figure id="attachment_301360" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-301360" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-301360" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/IPL-auction-2019.jpg" alt="IPL auction" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-301360" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
This season witnessed the biggest IPL auction, as almost all teams lost a few of their key players. With the Mega Auction being held a few months ago, and the addition of two new franchises, the stars were spread across 10 teams this time around. This meant that several fanbases of players had to shift their loyalty to another franchise, something which they might not have been ready to do.
For instance, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-flop-overseas-xi-from-second-week-of-the-tournament/">David Warner</a>, who had donned in the Sunrisers Hyderabad Jersey in the last decade, was not retained by his franchise. The Australian was instead picked up by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction. Fans have been used to seeing the likes of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians, and Yuzvendra Chahal at Royal Challengers Bangalore, both of whom found their home in new franchises this season.
With reputed stars swapping their teams, this could have had a major impact on the mindset of the IPL fans, who are used to seeing their favorite players compete for the same franchise over the years.
<h3>4) Absence of Big Stars</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510469" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510469" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-510469" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-5.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510469" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
IPL 2022 has been missing three of its biggest stars this season. The likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina have graced the cash-rich league ever since its inception in 2008. And now, all of a sudden, none of the three stars are playing a part in the 15th edition, due to different reasons. Mr. 360, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, after the conclusion of the IPL 2021 season.
On the other hand, Universe Boss, Chris Gayle decided to opt out of the tournament, and there is a chance, he may never return to IPL cricket. Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina went unsold at the auction, hence the former <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-predicting-where-each-team-will-end-up-on-the-points-table/">Chennai Super Kings</a> is seen in the commentary box.
These three big names had huge respective fanbases, and their absence has certainly hit the viewership this season. There is a certain level of nostalgia which might have hit the fans, given that there has also been a change in guard of leadership at two of the most reputed IPL franchises – Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
<h3>5) Two of the most popular teams, MI and CSK not doing well</h3>
<figure id="attachment_627912" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-627912" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-627912" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-6.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627912" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Without a doubt, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings remain two of the most popular teams in the competition. Moreover, the two franchises are the two most successful sides, with MI claiming five titles, whereas, CSK claiming four titles so far. Hence, fans expect both teams to perform well every season, given their consistency over the years.
However, this season has started on a grim note for the two IPL powerhouses. Both teams are reeling at the bottom of the table, and are unlikely to make the playoffs if things don’t start changing for the better soon. The Men in Yellow, led by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-are-lucky-to-have-his-advice-ravindra-jadeja-on-ms-dhoni-helping-out-with-captaincy-experience/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> just about managed to claim their first win recently, after losing their four opening games.
The last five seasons of the tournament have been dominated by the two rivals, with MI winning three titles, whereas, CSK winning two titles. Their poor start to the season could have upset their respective fanbases, leading to a lack of interest from their end.

The Indian Premier League is one of the most followed sporting events across the globe. The two-month cricketing fiesta unites some of the world&#8217;s best, where they can display their sheer brilliance. IPL has shattered TV viewership records in India, and has consistently been ranked in the Top 10 world&#8217;s most popular sporting events. The tournament had seen a steep rise in TV viewership in the last two seasons, as the covid-19 pandemic forced the fans to stay indoors.
In fact, in 2020, the viewership witnessed a 23% rise as compared to the 2019 season. The second half of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-players-who-didnt-perform-in-ipl-2021-and-doing-wonders-in-ipl-2022/">IPL</a> 2021 season also clocked impressive figures. However, the viewership has dropped this season, and one can put this decline down to many factors.
The 15th addition of IPL witnessed addition of two new franchises, and fans were expected to show more enthusiasm towards the tournament. However, this has not been the case so far, and in this article, we have a look at five reasons why TV Viewership of IPL 2022 got reduced.
<h3>1) IPL returning under six just months</h3>
<figure id="attachment_627330" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-627330" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627330" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Royal-Challengers-Bangalore-4.jpg" alt="Royal Challengers Bangalore" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627330" class="wp-caption-text">Royal Challengers Bangalore. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
The Indian Premier League has returned after a span of just under six months. IPL 2021 concluded in October last year, as Chennai Super Kings lifted their fourth title, defeating <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/kkr-kolkata-knight-riders/">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> in the final. One of the key reasons behind the drop in viewership this season could be the fact that there has been too much IPL action off-late.
In the pre-covid era, the tournament was held in the March-May window, however, in the last two years, the schedule has been shifted to the latter stages of the year. With the pandemic situation returning to normalcy, BCCI decided to hold the 15th edition of IPL in the usual summer window.
Fans certainly love watching the most popular T20 league in the world. However, they might have just reached a saturation point in terms of tuning into the live-action for every single game.

<h3>2) Overdose of T20 Action in the recent past</h3>
<figure id="attachment_475544" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-475544" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-475544" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Alex-Hales-Sydney-Thunder.jpg" alt="Alex Hales of the Thunder" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-475544" class="wp-caption-text">Alex Hales of the Thunder. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
In all certainty, there has been a lot of <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-one-player-from-previous-season-successfully-replaced-by-franchises/">T20</a> action in the past year. Due to the covid-19 situation, international teams have preferred engaging in a three or five-match T20 bilateral series instead of competing in the longer format of white-ball cricket, ODIs. Moreover, in the last six months, we have had several domestic T20 leagues around the world, which includes IPL 2021 and the Big Bash League. Even, the Pakistan Super League was held in January-February this year, and it was broadcasted on Indian television.
Fans were also treated with a month of non-stop T20 World Cup action in October-November last year. Hence, one can say that the viewers are a bit overdosed with T20 action at the moment, given the amount of cricket that has been played in the recent past.
The Indian national team has also been involved in three T20 bilateral series in the last five months, which includes home series against New Zealand, West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The overdose of T20 action might be one of the primary reasons behind the fall of TV viewership in the 15th edition of IPL.
<h3>3) Mega Auction spreading favorite players of fans in different teams</h3>
<figure id="attachment_301360" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-301360" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-301360" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/IPL-auction-2019.jpg" alt="IPL auction" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-301360" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
This season witnessed the biggest IPL auction, as almost all teams lost a few of their key players. With the Mega Auction being held a few months ago, and the addition of two new franchises, the stars were spread across 10 teams this time around. This meant that several fanbases of players had to shift their loyalty to another franchise, something which they might not have been ready to do.
For instance, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-flop-overseas-xi-from-second-week-of-the-tournament/">David Warner</a>, who had donned in the Sunrisers Hyderabad Jersey in the last decade, was not retained by his franchise. The Australian was instead picked up by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction. Fans have been used to seeing the likes of Hardik Pandya at Mumbai Indians, and Yuzvendra Chahal at Royal Challengers Bangalore, both of whom found their home in new franchises this season.
With reputed stars swapping their teams, this could have had a major impact on the mindset of the IPL fans, who are used to seeing their favorite players compete for the same franchise over the years.
<h3>4) Absence of Big Stars</h3>
<figure id="attachment_510469" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-510469" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-510469" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-5.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-510469" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
IPL 2022 has been missing three of its biggest stars this season. The likes of Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers and Suresh Raina have graced the cash-rich league ever since its inception in 2008. And now, all of a sudden, none of the three stars are playing a part in the 15th edition, due to different reasons. Mr. 360, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, after the conclusion of the IPL 2021 season.
On the other hand, Universe Boss, Chris Gayle decided to opt out of the tournament, and there is a chance, he may never return to IPL cricket. Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina went unsold at the auction, hence the former <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-predicting-where-each-team-will-end-up-on-the-points-table/">Chennai Super Kings</a> is seen in the commentary box.
These three big names had huge respective fanbases, and their absence has certainly hit the viewership this season. There is a certain level of nostalgia which might have hit the fans, given that there has also been a change in guard of leadership at two of the most reputed IPL franchises &#8211; Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
<h3>5) Two of the most popular teams, MI and CSK not doing well</h3>
<figure id="attachment_627912" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-627912" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-627912" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mumbai-Indians-6.jpg" alt="Mumbai Indians" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-627912" class="wp-caption-text">Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Without a doubt, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings remain two of the most popular teams in the competition. Moreover, the two franchises are the two most successful sides, with MI claiming five titles, whereas, CSK claiming four titles so far. Hence, fans expect both teams to perform well every season, given their consistency over the years.
However, this season has started on a grim note for the two IPL powerhouses. Both teams are reeling at the bottom of the table, and are unlikely to make the playoffs if things don&#8217;t start changing for the better soon. The Men in Yellow, led by <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/we-are-lucky-to-have-his-advice-ravindra-jadeja-on-ms-dhoni-helping-out-with-captaincy-experience/">Ravindra Jadeja</a> just about managed to claim their first win recently, after losing their four opening games.
The last five seasons of the tournament have been dominated by the two rivals, with MI winning three titles, whereas, CSK winning two titles. Their poor start to the season could have upset their respective fanbases, leading to a lack of interest from their end.

The IPL 2022 viewership has taken a hit, and this could be due to many reasons.

5 Reasons why TV viewership of IPL 2022 got reduced

We look at the five primary reasons which has led to the decline in TV viewership of the 15th edition of IPL.