KPL 2017: TV viewership figures reaches new heights

Hubbali, 23 September 2017: The final day of Karbonn Smartphones Karnataka Premier League (KPL) 2017, powered by Cycle Pure Agarbathies is upon us and thus far it has been a tournament which has too close to call. Outstanding individual performances have top-lined the tournament so far and there have also been some exciting finishes that have enthralled the fans this season.

But there is some more good news for KPL fans. The television viewership figures for the first 16 matches of the season released by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India have revealed a substantial rise in the interest around the tournament.

This year the tournament is being telecast for the first time ever by Star Sports. The first 16 matches (including a complete washout – Match 4) were watched by 37.8 million viewers. In Karnataka alone, the reach of the KPL broadcast has risen to 5.7 million in 2017.  In fact, the average match ratings till date have also grown by four times.

The commentary team

Star has brought with it a big-name commentary panel, including former Australian players Dean Jones, Brett Lee and Michael Hussey, former India cricketers Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and Deep Dasgupta, ex-New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, former Karnataka Ranji Trophy player Fazal Khaleel and noted sports presenter Charu Sharma. Also presenting the telecast are anchors Mayanti Langer, Sanjana Ganesan and Danish Sait.

One of the key aspects of the increased viewership has also been the Star Sports’ aggressive marketing and promotional campaign. The heavy promotion done by Star Sports with approximately 10000 promos running on the network.

Star even promoted the tournament on Suvarna Plus during the Live telecast of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) by integrating the highlights of KPL 2017, in addition to heavy social promotion. Star Sports’ direction in HD High Definition was world class with introduction of two new technologies of PIERO and Speculur for the very first time. This added more meaning to the narrative of the game.

Mr. Vinay Mruthyunjaya, KPL Governing Council Member & KSCA Official Spokesperson, said: “We have managed to create a new wave of support for the tournament this year. It has thus far been very well received and this is a testimony to all the hard work put in by everyone in the background. I must particularly thank all the fans and spectators. We really hope you will continue to back us in the future as well.”

The tournament is being played in the memory of S.D.N.R Wadiyar, the former president of the KSCA and the scion of the Mysore royal family.