India vs Pak loses crown as most-watched cricket clash; ICC chief Jay Shah says Ind vs Eng was the world’s highest-ever live event

The long-standing dominance of the India national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team rivalry in global cricket viewership appears to have been overtaken. International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah revealed on X that the semi-final between India and England cricket team during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup became the world’s highest-ever live event in terms of viewership.

The claim signals a shift in what attracts cricket audiences today — intense, high-quality contests rather than only traditional rivalries.

Jay Shah reveals record viewership

Posting on X, Jay Shah shared the massive audience figures for the India–England semi-final and said the match broke global records for live viewership.


The development is significant because India–Pakistan clashes have historically been considered the biggest television draw in cricket. According to Shah’s statement, the India–England contest has now surpassed those benchmarks, reflecting the massive interest in the high-stakes knockout match. Before this India vs West Indies match in the super 8 attracted a viewership of 57 million.

Fans embracing competitive cricket

For decades, matches between India and Pakistan have dominated global cricket viewership. The rivalry carries deep political and emotional history, which has traditionally translated into record audiences.

However, the latest numbers suggest that fans are increasingly drawn to competitive encounters regardless of the teams involved. The India–England semi-final delivered a gripping contest between two strong sides, making it one of the most talked-about games of the tournament.

The trend also highlights the growing popularity of matches involving top teams such as Australia national cricket team, New Zealand national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team.

Packed stadiums show strong fan engagement

The enthusiasm around the tournament has not been limited to television and digital platforms. Stadiums have seen packed stands across venues, reflecting the strong interest among fans.

During India’s match against the West Indies cricket team at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the stadium witnessed a full house and a lively atmosphere. A similar scene played out during the India–England clash at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where fans were treated to an exciting contest.

The packed venues underline how the tournament has managed to capture the attention of cricket followers across cities.

Tournament overcame early hurdles

The event, however, did not start without complications. In the lead-up to the tournament, uncertainty around participation and scheduling created confusion among fans and travel planners.

With issues involving Pakistan national cricket team and logistical challenges affecting preparations, the ICC had to coordinate with multiple cricket boards to ensure the competition went ahead smoothly.