Prime Time Scheduling for Indian Viewers
The India-Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled early in local time to cater to the prime time audience in India, ensuring it airs at 8 PM IST. This strategic timing is set by the ICC to maximize viewership and revenue from the vast Indian cricket fan base. With 70% of the world’s cricket fans residing in India, the ICC aligns match timings with Indian prime time to capitalize on the substantial audience and advertising opportunities.
Join MyFinal11 WhatsApp Community
Impact of Scheduling on Team India
Playing matches at 10:30 AM local time presents challenges for the Indian team. Morning matches often have wet pitches, making early batting difficult due to increased ball swing. As the day progresses, the pitch hardens, favoring the team batting second. Historically, Team India has struggled when batting first in such conditions, as seen in the T20 World Cup 2021. The timing, influenced by broadcasters, can impact performance, as morning conditions differ significantly from night matches where dew benefits the batting team.
Read Also: Adam Zampa Reaches 300 T20 Wickets Milestone
Historical Context and Revenue Considerations
The trend of scheduling matches according to Indian prime time began in the early 2000s. Major ICC tournaments, including the 2013 Champions Trophy and the 2015 World Cup, featured match timings favorable to Indian viewers. The financial influence of Indian viewership is significant, contributing 75% of ICC’s revenue. This economic power drives the scheduling decisions to ensure maximum engagement from Indian fans, as seen with the 8 PM IST start times for all India matches, including potential Super-8 and semi-final games.
Broader Scheduling Strategy
To accommodate audiences from various cricketing nations, the ICC has scheduled matches at six different times. Matches starting at 5 AM and 6 AM IST cater to Australian and New Zealand viewers, aligning with their prime time. Similarly, games involving England, South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies are scheduled to suit their respective audiences. This strategic approach ensures balanced viewership across major cricket markets while prioritizing Indian prime time for maximum global revenue.
Using Reference Of:
|
