IPL 2016 records poor viewership numbers

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is never short of entertainment nor it is short on the controversies that surround it every year. The ongoing season is perhaps being the most affected by the controversies. According to the television viewership rating (TVR) of Times of India, IPL 2016 has seen a significant drop in the viewership as compared to its massive success last year.

The television rating for last year was about 4.5 and this year this TVR stat has fallen down to 3.5. This is the second lowest viewership stat in the history of the IPL. The 2014 edition of the IPL saw the poorest television ratings, that of 3.1. The 2012 edition of the IPL had the rating of 4.6 while the 2013 edition had seen a drop to 3.8.

This year’s IPL has certainly been plagued by controversies. With drought conditions in most of the states and the subsequent filing of the PILs hasn’t helped the cause of the BCCI nor of the IPL committee. Drought conditions in Maharashtra forced the Mumbai Indians to opt for Jaipur as their alternate venue. But yet another PIL filed in Rajasthan against holding matches in Jaipur has left the BCCI wanting for alternate venues. Moreover, the matches are far from being competitive. Only a few matches have been close finishes. In addition to that, the series of results has become predictable too, as 19 out of the 24 matches played, have been won by the side batting second.

The experts, however, believe it is too early to call the IPL a flop this year. We are not even at the half way stage of the tournament and the viewership is expected to peak as the tournament progresses, many believe. Empty stands are also expected to be filled in as the matches and fight for the playoffs get intense.

Another theory for the lacklustre show so far has been proposed saying it is only overdosage of cricket that the fans are unable to digest. With the World Cup being just concluded in the country, most of the fans are already dosed enough with the game. Whatever the reason might be, it will only be good for the game if the IPL keeps shining bright amidst all crisis!

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