Most Viewed Cricket Matches in the World (2025 Updated)

Cricket is not just a game, as it is a passion shared by billions of fans around the world. In the last decade, the number of cricket viewers on television and digital platforms has increased. Due to the increasing penetration of the internet, many cricket matches today attract a large number of viewers. This is especially seen in world events like the FIFA World Cup or the Olympics.

From the World Cup final to the historic India-Pakistan clash, the record books are full of great matches. In this updated list of 2025, we present the top most watched cricket matches in the world.

1. India vs Sri Lanka | Cricket World Cup Final 2011 – 558 Million Viewers

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final is the most watched cricket match in history. The match, played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, was expected to end India’s 28-year World Cup drought.

India successfully chased down a competitive score of 274 set by Sri Lanka, helped by brilliant innings from Gautam Gambhir (97) and captain MS Dhoni (91*). Dhoni’s winning six is ​​perhaps the most iconic moment in world cricket.

Over 558 million people watched the match live, and to this day, this record stands.

2. India vs Pakistan | Cricket World Cup Semi-Final 2011 – 495 Million Viewers

The match between India and Pakistan always promised drama, passion and record viewership. The semi-final, played in Mohali in 2011, was a huge success.

Both teams fought hard, but India scored 260 and defended it well, easily defeating Pakistan by 29 runs.

An astonishing 495 million viewers worldwide watched the match, making it the most-watched match between India and Pakistan.

3. India vs Pakistan | Champions Trophy Final 2017 – 400 Million Viewers

If the group stage was a warm-up, the final was a battle. India entered as favourites, but Pakistan stunned the world with their impressive performance in the final.

Pakistan scored a mammoth 338 runs – a huge win and their first major final victory over India.

The contest was watched live by 400 million viewers, making it the third most-watched cricket match of all time.

4. India vs Pakistan | Champions Trophy Group Stage 2017 – 324 Million Viewers

Rain spoiled the game throughout the match, but even the weather could not stop the fans from watching.

India comfortably defeated Pakistan and won by 124 runs (DLS method).

Despite the delay, the game attracted 324 million viewers. It is a reminder that the India-Pakistan match is a box office event worldwide.

5. India vs Pakistan | Cricket World Cup 2015 Group Stage – 313 Million Viewers

The match was full of excitement – in fact, the first for both the countries in the 2015 World Cup. It proved to be one-sided, but the excitement was at its peak.

India scored 300 runs and bowled out Pakistan for 224 runs to extend their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup.

Total viewers: 313 million.

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6. India vs South Africa | Cricket World Cup 2015 Group Stage – 300 Million Viewers

In front of a packed crowd in Melbourne, this match lit up the group stage of the ICC World Cup 2015. Shikhar Dhawan’s brilliant 137 gave India a resounding victory.

Without a single explosive match, 300 million people watched it, making it one of the most watched matches outside of India-Pakistan.

7. India vs Australia | Cricket World Cup Final 2023 – 300 Million Viewers

But while most Indians are ready to forget this pain, history remembers that vast audience.

India entered the final unbeaten, but Australia chased down India’s 240 to win their sixth World Cup title.

The match was watched by 300 million viewers worldwide and has emerged as the pinnacle of streaming in the modern era.

8. India vs Pakistan | Cricket World Cup 2019 Group Stage – 273 Million Viewers

The match played in Manchester proved once again why India-Pakistan matches dominate the record books.

India scored 336 runs, including a brilliant 140 from Rohit Sharma. The target changed due to rain interruptions, but Pakistan came up short.

A total of 273 million viewers watched the match.

9. India vs. Pakistan | T20 World Cup 2021 Group Stage – 167 Million Viewers

After a two-year hiatus, the rivalry returned to the world stage. Emotions ran high, and audiences around the world responded.

Pakistan won by 10 wickets in a stunning upset, their first World Cup victory over India in either the T20 or ODI formats.

Despite the sad outcome for Indian fans, 167 million people watched the match live.

10. India vs New Zealand | World Test Championship Final 2021 – 130.6 Million Viewers

Test cricket rarely draws huge crowds, but the WTC Final 2021 broke all tradition.

Despite two days of rain-damaged cricket, fans from around the world flocked to watch the final Test battle. New Zealand chased down 139 runs on the final day to become the first WTC champions.

The final was watched by 130.6 million people worldwide – a record for a single Test match.

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Why India Dominates the List?

All 10 of these matches are associated with India, and that is no coincidence. India has a huge cricket fan base, and with 1.4 billion people and the massive adoption of streaming, Indian matches break global records. The intense rivalry with Pakistan in particular further increases the viewership.

Conclusion

Cricket’s popularity continues to grow every year. And more often than not, record attendance figures have become the rule rather than the exception. Whether it’s the nostalgic memories of 2011 or the digital boom powering modern finals, cricket continues to unite billions of people around the world. And with the game expanding into the USA, the Middle East and new markets, it wouldn’t be surprising if future tournaments set even greater standards for attendance.

FAQs: Questions & Answers

Q1. Which is the most viewed cricket match in the world?

The India vs Sri Lanka ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Final is the most watched cricket match of all time. It received 558 million global viewers, making it the most watched live sports broadcast in cricket history.

Q2. Why do India vs Pakistan matches dominate viewership charts?

India and Pakistan are one of the most bitter rivals in world sports. Their political history and lack of regular bilateral series make their encounters in the World Cup or ICC extremely special and rare. Whenever they play, the world is playing for them, resulting in incredible TV and digital viewership.

Q3. Which ICC World Cup had the highest viewership overall?

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 holds the record for the highest attendance for a match, followed by India’s knockout run, the India-Pakistan semi-final and the India-Sri Lanka final.