Cricket World Cup smashed viewing figures: ICC

NEW DELHI, MAR 24: Viewer figures of the T20 Cricket World Cup final smashed digital streaming records with 72.5?million peak users at the same time in India alone, the International Cricket Council said Monday.

Cricket commands an unrivalled following in the world's most populous country with 1.4 billion people.

"The event was a showcase of just how much the sport is loved in cricket's most passionate market," ICC Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta said, in a commentary published in WPP Media's Sporting Nation.

More viewers watched the game on traditional broadcasters, as well as around the world.

India, co hosts and pre tournament favourites, lifted the T20 World Cup for a record third time in the March 8 match, sweeping aside New Zealand by 96 runs.

"The final... hit 72.5 million digital concurrent users, breaking the global streaming record," Gupta added, according to figures from Indian streaming partner JioHotstar.    �"AFP