Most Popular Cricket Series Worldwide: The Ultimate Ranking by Viewership and Impact

Cricket is more than just a sport — it’s a global cultural phenomenon with billions of passionate fans. Over the years, cricket tournaments and series have grown in prestige, reach, and viewership, captivating audiences across continents. Based on extensive viewership data, audience engagement, and broadcast statistics, here’s a definitive ranking of the most popular cricket series worldwide.

ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI): The Pinnacle of International Cricket

The ICC Cricket World Cup remains the most prestigious tournament in international cricket, held every four years with participation from the top cricketing nations. The 2023 edition hosted by India was a landmark event, drawing a staggering 1.25 billion global viewers, a 38% increase from the 2011 tournament.

• The final between India and Australia alone amassed 87.6 billion live viewing minutes, the most for any ICC match in history.

• Widely broadcast across over 200 countries, the World Cup unites cricket fans like no other competition.

Its massive reach and historical significance make it the crown jewel of cricket tournaments.

Indian Premier League (IPL): The King of T20 Cricket

No cricket series comes close to matching the commercial success and entertainment value of the Indian Premier League (IPL). With electrifying T20 action, celebrity owners, and international stars, the IPL is the most-watched domestic cricket league globally.

• The 2024 season saw over 600 million viewers.

• The opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians witnessed 25 million concurrent viewers on JioCinema.

• The league’s brand value crossed $6.7 billion, solidifying its dominance.

The IPL blends sport, glamour, and business, making it the most influential cricket league worldwide.

Champions Trophy: The Return of the Mini World Cup

The ICC Champions Trophy returned in 2025 with a bang. Often called the “Mini World Cup”, it featured top-tier teams in high-stakes knockout matches.

• It registered 368 billion global viewing minutes, up 19% from 2017.

• The India vs New Zealand final alone drew 65.3 billion live viewing minutes.

• The iconic India-Pakistan match generated 26 billion minutes of watch-time, outpacing their World Cup encounter.

Its format, combining elite teams and fewer matches, delivers consistent, intense matchups, making it a fan-favorite globally.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy (India vs Australia): Modern Cricket’s Fiercest Rivalry

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has evolved into one of the most watched bilateral Test series.

• The 2024–25 series drew 192.5 million viewers in India alone.

• Over 837,000 spectators attended matches across Australian venues — the fourth-highest in their cricket history.

With fiery competition, historic comebacks, and iconic individual performances, this series has redefined Test cricket’s appeal.

The Ashes (England vs Australia): Cricket’s Oldest Rivalry

The Ashes remains the most historic and emotionally charged bilateral series in cricket.

• The 2023 Ashes series drew 17.8 million viewers in the UK across Sky and BBC.

• The first Test recorded a peak audience of 2.12 million, the highest in Sky Sports Ashes history.

Despite its age, the Ashes still captivates with its timeless intensity, storytelling, and sportsmanship.

ICC T20 World Cup: Explosive Growth in a Short Format

Since its debut in 2007, the ICC T20 World Cup has revolutionized cricket by appealing to younger and global audiences.

• Combines fast-paced excitement with the prestige of ICC tournaments.

• Regularly draws hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

The T20 World Cup has become a must-watch for casual fans and purists alike, offering thrill in every over.

Asia Cup: Regional Rivalries on a Global Stage

The Asia Cup captures the heart of the subcontinent, home to over 70% of cricket’s global fanbase.

• In 2022, the tournament hit 200 million viewers in its first week.

• The India vs Pakistan showdown drew a massive 125 million TV viewers.

These intense matches and political undertones fuel unmatched interest and drama.

Pakistan Super League (PSL): Digital-First and Rapidly Rising

The PSL has matured into a major T20 league, especially with younger, digital-first audiences.

• The 2025 edition saw an 826.5% surge in streaming viewership.

• Features competitive matches, emerging talent, and international stars.

PSL’s strong online presence has made it a growing force in T20 cricket.

Big Bash League (BBL): Australia’s Premier T20 Extravaganza

Once at its peak, the BBL brought cricket into Aussie summer nights like never before.

• The 2017 final drew 2.24 million viewers, a historic benchmark.

• Recent seasons saw a decline due to extended formats and scheduling conflicts.

However, its family-friendly appeal and prime-time scheduling still command substantial audiences.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL): West Indies’ Vibrant T20 Showcase

Colorful, energetic, and filled with flair, the CPL is the Caribbean’s pride.

• Crossed 1.13 billion global viewers in 2024, a 32% YoY increase.

• Now the second-most watched T20 league globally after the IPL.

The carnival-like atmosphere combined with world-class talent fuels its popularity.

World Test Championship Final: Reviving the Test Format

The WTC Final has brought context and meaning to Test cricket.

• Despite India missing the 2025 final, it drew 47 million Indian TV viewers.

• Recorded 2.94 billion viewing minutes, with 225 million digital views.

WTC Finals are becoming major events for fans of classic cricket drama.

Women’s Cricket Tournaments: A Meteoric Rise in Global Viewership

Women’s cricket is in its golden growth phase.

• The 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup saw 192 million global viewing hours, up 44% from 2020.

• The 2024 edition grew another 30%, breaking past records.

These stats highlight a new era of inclusivity and viewership growth in cricket.

Conclusion: Cricket’s Expanding Global Footprint

From mega-events like the ICC World Cup to iconic rivalries like the Ashes, cricket’s diverse portfolio of tournaments caters to fans of every format. The explosion of T20 leagues, the revival of Test match interest, and the emergence of women's cricket reflect a dynamic, evolving sport.

India remains the driving force, but nations like Australia, England, Pakistan, and the West Indies contribute significantly to the game’s growing footprint.

As media platforms evolve and accessibility increases, the global passion for cricket shows no signs of slowing.