The 2020 Women’s T20 Challenge (WT20C) should be one of the best “feel-good” news for 2020. The WT20C entered 5.34 payout minutes for Indian viewers according to the latest reports. Compared to 2.20 billion minutes a year, that is 2.45 times greater this year. Among other figures, 105 million different spectators entered the three-team competition compared to 71 million in 2019.
Details were obtained from ESPNcricinfo at Broadcast Audience Research Council India and Star. The report revealed that this year’s competition recorded a 147% increase in viewing minutes, a 47% increase in unique views, and was broadcast on 11 Star Sports channels compared to eight last year. Given that the epidemic has forced many struggles in sports, these were points from Indian women.
All on their Own
The competition was dubbed “financially independent” after finding a sponsor of the title, as well as many official sponsors. Early plans required a four-team tourney, but it was played in three. That didn’t have the fans who took the Betway Cricket to try to get the big points for their favorite team. The Trailblazers eventually won the tournament, but the real victory was spectacular.
The epidemic has been a major contributor to sports worldwide. While women’s cricket was just one of many victims, news of these numbers showed that many people remained interested in the sport. The little girls in India were able to watch these players play and gave them hope that one day they too could achieve this.
Increased Visibility
The numbers were concrete. There was no change in mood or the need for personality testing. When all that was said was done, the general public wanted to watch Indian women play cricket. India’s success in making it to the finals has helped make the event the women’s T20 most prestigious T20 even in history. This was not only a victory for women’s sports, but also for the world as well.
What does that mean for the future? Can we see the jump in the numbers? Can marketing increase in women’s cricket in the country? There is a real chance that this could be a break needed for the game and its players.
A Significant Change
To begin with, it is an encouraging sign because such a jump gives the league the power to start initial negotiations with sponsors. The details support that this was the place it should have been. The smart move would be to reach out to the sponsor and try to hit some of the first deals. The business side will take care of themselves, but there is a bigger story here.
Stereotypes of women in sports have continued for years. The idea is that with such a high volume of viewers, young women may be interested in participating in the future. If that happened, that would be a change for the next generation we have never seen in India. In any case, a year full of negative articles has been one of the best things you can learn in 2020.