NatWest T20 Blast registers record viewership in 2017

The ongoing edition of the NatWest T20 Blast has registered a record viewership this year. The premier domestic T20 competition of England witnessed a rise of attendance this year of over 880000. As per the recent reports in ESPNcricinfo, the official attendance of NatWest T20 Blast rose to a staggering number of 883000. In addition to this, the upcoming Finals Day of the tournament is also all set to be a record sell out day. The Finals Day, to be played on Saturday, will see as many as 24426 people walk into the stands in Edgbaston.

The four finalists who will be in action on the final day would be Hampshire, Glamorgan, Nottinghamshire, and Birmingham. The record increase in viewership has been estimated to be around a 7 per cent increase from last year. Over 907000 tickets have been sold for the domestic T20 competition this year. The COO of the ECB expressed his happiness over the grand success of the tournament. He believes that rescheduling the tournament dates has helped in increase viewership.

“It’s a genuine pleasure to be able to congratulate all 18 first-class counties for their outstanding efforts in making the 2017 Blast such a hit,” Gordon Hollins, the ECB’s chief operating officer, said.

“The competition moved to a new place in the schedule this year, with all games played in a block in July and August rather than spread through the summer. That was welcomed by the players and has helped draw the crowds to NatWest T20 Blast – in bigger numbers then ever before,” he added further.

Credit to the teams

He further credited the County sides for accepting the change in dates. Good preparations, accompanied by proper scheduling and cooperation by the sides led to the success of the tournament. Hollins believes that the quality of cricket has improved a great deal in the process.

“The change created some fresh challenges for counties alongside the new opportunities but the record advance sales show how well the game has responded – the counties deserve huge credit. The quality of the cricket has been very clear too, with further records set for runs scored and sixes hit – our thanks to the players for producing such entertaining games,” Hollins conceded.