WTC Final 2025 smashes viewership records thanks to Indian audience despite absence of Team India

Surprisingly, a significant portion of the noise generated by the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 came directly from India, shattering the notion that Test cricket was disappearing.  

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Even though squad India did not make it to the final, Indian supporters flocked to Lord's on TV, mobile devices, and online platforms as if it were their squad.

With a magnificent century in the fourth inning—136 runs of unadulterated class and grit—Aiden Markram spearheaded the attack. This despite a valiant six-wicket haul by Australia captain Pat Cummins in the first innings.

Kagiso Rabada, on the other hand, became a devastating force, taking nine wickets in the two innings. In a thrilling battle, their combined skill enabled the Proteas to overtake Australia and win the WTC championship.

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WTC 2025 final records the highest viewership record on TV and also on digital mediums

India saw record-breaking broadcast and internet viewership for the thrilling ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia at Lord's.

The third WTC cycle final is now the most viewed and rated non-India Test match on TV, with 2.94 billion minutes of viewership and the biggest reach (47 million) on the Star Sports network.

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Even though India faced Australia in the final at The Oval in 2023, the WTC Final also had the highest-ever digital viewership, with 225 million views, which was comparable to the previous edition's final. There were 109,227 spectators at the Lord's Cricket Ground for the Test match.

The Indian audience figures, according to ICC Chairman Jay Shah, were evidence of the game's enduring appeal in its most conventional shape.

“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. What makes this success even more special is the enthusiasm shown by fans in regions beyond the two competing nations, reaffirming that cricket’s reach is truly international, and that the purest form of the game can thrive beyond national affiliations,” ICC chief Jay Shah stated.

No matter the outcome or the teams, fans from all around India tuned in. The passion for cricket in its purest form is still very much alive and strong, and it is no longer solely fueled by nationalism.

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