The inaugural season of the Big Cricket League (BCL) has set a new benchmark in the world of T20 cricket, captivating a staggering 16.1 million live viewers across television and digital platforms. Held from December 12 to December 22, 2024, in Surat, India, the league delivered thrilling cricket action, blending former international stars with promising amateur talent.
Big Cricket League (BCL) Inaugural Season Smashes Records with 16.1 Million Viewership
BCL’s Record-Breaking Viewership
The first-ever BCL season attracted 16.1 million viewers across broadcasting partners Sports Network and FanCode, proving its widespread popularity among cricket enthusiasts. The tournament’s total global reach exceeded 200 million across digital, print, and social media, solidifying its place as a rising force in the cricketing world.
Dilip Vengsarkar, Commissioner of the BCL, expressed his excitement, stating, “The Big Cricket League is a project that aims at fulfilling dreams of those who could never get a chance to play at the highest level. The cricket was fantastic, the talent on display was exceptional, and the viewership numbers are a testimony to the hard work put in by the team.”
A Star-Studded Tournament
The league featured a mix of seasoned international players and upcoming cricketing talent. Some of the legendary names who graced the tournament included Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, Imran Tahir, and Tillakaratne Dilshan. The format provided a golden opportunity for 60 amateur cricketers to compete alongside 48 former international and first-class players, creating a perfect balance of experience and fresh talent.
Mumbai Marines Crowned Champions
The Mumbai Marines, captained by Irfan Pathan, emerged victorious in the inaugural edition of the league. Owner Sana Raees Khan expressed her delight at the team’s triumph, saying, “I already expected the inaugural season of the league to be a blockbuster, but my team being crowned champion is like icing on the cake. Mumbai Marines stood tall against every challenge and proved that this win is for our team, our fans, and the spirit of the game.”
A Unique Concept with a Bright Future
The Big Cricket League’s unique blend of former cricketing greats and emerging players has distinguished it from other T20 leagues. Rudra Pratap Singh, Founder & President of BCL, reflected on the success of Season 1: “We are delighted with the viewership numbers and the overwhelming response from cricket fans worldwide. I was happy with the quality of cricket and proud of the amateur cricketers who competed fiercely against international stars.”
The overwhelming success of BCL’s inaugural season has laid a strong foundation for future editions. Annirudh Chauhan, Co-Founder & CEO of BCL, commented, “The viewership numbers of Big Cricket League Season 1 are a testament to the uniqueness & brilliance of our concept. We have received an excellent response from brands, sponsors & our broadcast partners, which gives us the impetus to make Season 2 bigger, better & blockbuster.”
What’s Next for BCL?
Following its phenomenal debut, the BCL has already begun preparations for Season 2, with registrations now open and trials set to begin in March 2025. With the resounding success of its first season, the league is poised to become a staple in the T20 cricketing calendar, offering fans high-quality cricket and aspiring players an unparalleled platform to showcase their talent.
