India Vs England Cricket Series Draws US Attention Amid Record Viewership
India Vs England Cricket Series Draws US Attention Amid Record Viewership...
The ongoing India vs England cricket Test series is unexpectedly trending among US sports fans, driven by record-breaking global viewership and a growing American interest in international cricket. The five-match series, currently tied 1-1 after England's dramatic 28-run victory in Hyderabad and India's dominant 106-run reply in Visakhapatnam, has become one of the most-watched cricket events in history.
Major US sports networks like ESPN have amplified coverage this week after Disney+ Hotstar reported 35 million concurrent viewers during the second Test - a new streaming record for cricket. The surge coincides with Major League Cricket's expansion plans in America, with new franchises launching this summer in Chicago and San Francisco.
Cricket analysts note the series' timing during MLB's offseason and the NBA All-Star break created a perfect storm for US attention. Social media engagement from American celebrities like actor Mark Wahlberg, who tweeted about the "insane" Hyderabad finish, further boosted visibility. The matches air overnight in US time zones but have drawn strong streaming numbers on Willow TV and ESPN+.
The cultural significance extends beyond sports. Indian-American communities across New York, Texas and California have organized public screenings, while mainstream outlets like The Athletic published explainers on cricket's complex rules. With three Tests remaining and the series hanging in balance, the unexpected US interest highlights cricket's potential growth ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosted by America.
England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach under coach Brendon McCullum has particularly resonated with American fans accustomed to high-scoring sports. Meanwhile, India's young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a double-century in Visakhapatnam, are gaining international recognition. The next Test begins March 7 in Rajkot, with overnight coverage available on ESPN2 and streaming platforms.
