IPL 2020 registers highest-ever opening day viewership after 20 crore people watch MI-CSK match

IPL 2020, one of the most-awaited events of this year, finally kicked off on September 19th in the UAE. After many delays amid the coronavirus pandemic, the BCCI identified the Gulf nation as a feasible option to stage the T20 extravaganza. Fans, after waiting eagerly for this year’s IPL, were served with an exciting encounter on the very first day.

In the opening fixture of the cash-rich league, defending champions Mumbai Indians locked horns with MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings where the latter registered a convincing five-wicket victory.  It was expected that the season opener would fetch millions of views and that’s what happened.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah, on Twitter, revealed that a staggering 20 crore people watched the game between MI and CSK. Notably, this is the highest-ever opening day viewership that any sporting league has achieved across the globe.

“Opening match of #Dream11IPL sets a new record! As per BARC, an unprecedented 20crore people tuned in to watch the match. Highest ever opening day viewership for any sporting league in any country- no league has ever,” tweeted Shah.

Opening match of #Dream11IPL sets a new record!

As per BARC, an unprecedented 20crore people tuned in to watch the match. Highest ever opening day viewership for any sporting league in any country- no league has ever opened as big as this. @IPL @SGanguly99 @UShanx @DisneyPlusHS

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 22, 2020

CSK start their IPL 2020 campaign on a positive note

Talking about the season opener, the Yellow Army chased down the 162-run total with ease after suffering early blows. A 115-run partnership with Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu, followed by an explosive cameo by Sam Billings sealed a victory for CSK in their opening fixture.

With three titles under its belt, the Chennai franchise is considered among the favourites to clinch the title this season. They’ve been the most consistent side in the tournament’s history, having booked a Playoffs berth on ten occasions. Aiming to continue their winning trail, CSK are slated to lock horns with Rajasthan Royals on September 22.

As far as the IPL 2020 schedule is concerned, the T20 action will span over 56 league matches, followed by Playoffs and the final. All the matches are set to take place in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi in three different legs. As a part of ‘The New Normal’, fans are witnessing many peculiar things like the bio-secure bubble, pre-recorded crowd cheers and empty stadiums.