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In the electrifying world of sports, the recent ICC World Cup 2023 match between India and New Zealand has sent shockwaves across the globe. With a staggering viewership of 4 crore people, it has outshone even the FIFA World Cup final. But what sets this match apart, and why has it captured the hearts of millions? Let’s dive into the thrilling details.
The Spectacle on Disney+ Hotstar
As the cricket fever raged on, the India vs. New Zealand cricket match during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 became the epicenter of the sporting world. Disney’s video streaming service, Disney+ Hotstar, witnessed an astonishing concurrent viewership of approximately 43 million viewers on October 22. This achievement marked a historic milestone in global streaming viewership.
Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks
Disney+ Hotstar didn’t just break records; it shattered them. This remarkable feat came just over a week after setting a record with 35 million concurrent viewers during the India vs. Pakistan match. The consecutive record-breaking runs were spurred by Disney+ Hotstar’s decision to provide Indian mobile subscribers with free streaming access to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. This strategic move was in response to the fierce competition posed by JioCinema, which had offered free IPL streaming earlier in the year.
The Asia Cup Triumph
Disney+ Hotstar’s triumph extended to the Asia Cup tournament, where they provided free mobile streaming. During the India vs. Pakistan cricket match, the platform reached a significant milestone, garnering 28 million concurrent viewers, the highest digital viewership for any India-related cricket match. Sajith Sivanandan, the head of Disney+ Hotstar, believes that this expansion in content offerings played a pivotal role in enhancing the entire ecosystem.
A New Lease on Life
Disney+ Hotstar, India’s leading streaming service, has been grappling with increased competition in the country’s video streaming market. In a recent downturn, they lost approximately 21 million subscribers over the last three quarters. From a peak of 61.3 million subscribers in the quarter ending October 2022, the paid member base plummeted to 40.4 million subscribers for the quarter ending July 1, 2023.
This decline occurred at a time when Disney+ Hotstar lost access to two major content offerings that had propelled its early expansion in India. Premium HBO content, now owned by Viacom18’s JioCinema, and IPL streaming rights were the two major content deals that significantly contributed to Disney+ Hotstar’s growth in India.
Conclusion
The India vs. New Zealand match in the ICC World Cup 2023 has not only been a sports spectacle but also a turning point in the world of streaming platforms. Disney+ Hotstar’s record-breaking viewership showcases the immense appetite for sports and entertainment in India. Despite facing fierce competition and subscriber losses, the platform’s strategic decisions have propelled it forward, and the future promises to be just as exciting as the match itself.
FAQs
1. How many people watched the India vs. New Zealand match?
The India vs. New Zealand match in the ICC World Cup 2023 was watched by a staggering 4 crore people.
2. What is Disney+ Hotstar’s concurrent viewership record?
Disney+ Hotstar achieved a record-breaking concurrent viewership of approximately 43 million viewers during the India vs. New Zealand match.
3. How has Disney+ Hotstar responded to the competition in India’s streaming market?
To combat competition, Disney+ Hotstar provided free mobile streaming access to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the Asia Cup tournament.
4. Why has Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber count declined?
Disney+ Hotstar’s subscriber count declined due to the loss of access to premium HBO content and IPL streaming rights.
5. What does the future hold for Disney+ Hotstar?
Despite recent challenges, Disney+ Hotstar is poised for growth and success as it continues to be a dominant force in India’s streaming industry.
