Asia Press Agency

Tag: India vs Pakistan

  • Star Sports Records 22% Growth in World Cup 2023 Viewership

    Star Sports Records 22% Growth in World Cup 2023 Viewership

    Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, announced a significant achievement, revealing that it has garnered over 59 billion minutes of total watch time during the initial 11 matches of the tournament on linear television. This marks a remarkable 22% growth in viewership compared to the previous edition of the tournament held in England.

     

    The first 11 matches of the tournament included notable fixtures, such as the India vs. Australia clash, which is a five-time Champions match, and the contest against Afghanistan.

     

    The broadcaster reported that the growth in viewership was particularly prominent among premium audiences. According to data from BARC India, audiences in the NCCS A category witnessed a growth of 40%, while NCCS B experienced a 24% increase in viewership.

     

    Moreover, the live broadcasts of these initial matches have collectively attracted an impressive audience of 268 million viewers. This includes 96 million young working professionals aged 22-40, which is 5% higher than the viewership in the 2019 edition of the tournament. The peak live concurrency for the tournament was reached at 56 million viewers during the India vs. Australia match in Chennai on October 8.

     

    In addition to linear television viewership, Star Sports’ digital platform, Disney+ Hotstar, experienced substantial concurrency, with more than 3.5 crore people tuning in during the high-profile India vs. Pakistan game in Ahmedabad. Data for other matches, including the India vs. Pakistan fixture, will be released in the upcoming week.

     

    This viewership milestone is notable, especially given the recent trend of decreasing subscribers on Disney+ Hotstar over the past three quarters. This decrease in subscribers coincides with the growing competition in the streaming business, as Jio Cinema entered the arena and secured rights to stream the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2023 season.

     

    It’s important to note that Disney+ Hotstar is offering free streaming of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 on mobile phones, while access on connected TVs remains behind a paywall. The platform’s strategic decisions regarding access and content rights will likely continue to shape its trajectory in the competitive streaming landscape.

  • Sanjay Raut Questions Warm Welcome for Pakistani Cricketers

    Sanjay Raut Questions Warm Welcome for Pakistani Cricketers

    Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut has expressed his views on the enthusiastic reception given to the Pakistani cricket team in Ahmedabad before their World Cup match against India. Raut’s comments come amid a political controversy surrounding the warm welcome, and he criticized the BJP for its role in the situation, highlighting the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv Sena’s founder.

     

    As reported by ANI, Sanjay Raut noted that such a grand reception could only occur in Gujarat, and he implied that the BJP, which formed its government in Maharashtra under the name of Balasaheb Thackeray, is not respecting the values and principles associated with his legacy. Raut stated, “The Pakistan team can come and get a grand welcome in Gujarat. This can happen only in Gujarat in the country. If it had happened in any other state, then the people of BJP would have raised a hue and cry. The BJP tries to teach us, but they are now responsible for this.”

     

    Sanjay Raut also suggested that the BJP should feel ashamed for welcoming the Pakistani cricketers in such a manner. He emphasized the historical stance taken by Balasaheb Thackeray, who opposed the Pakistan team’s visits in his time due to ongoing violence and attacks against Indian soldiers and Kashmiri Pandits. Raut asserted, “Balasaheb Thackeray stopped the Pakistan team in his time because our soldiers were being murdered. Our Kashmiri Pandits were getting murdered; that is why Balasaheb Thackeray had said that we would not allow Pakistan to come. But in the name of Balasaheb Thackeray, the BJP formed a government in Maharashtra. When there is political benefit, then BJP people take his name.”

     

    The comments by Sanjay Raut come as the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan World Cup match is set to take place at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. While Indian cricket fans hope to extend their seven-match winning streak against Pakistan, the controversy surrounding the warm welcome for the Pakistani team has sparked debates on the separation of sports and politics. Images and videos of Pakistani players being greeted warmly during their World Cup matches in India have garnered attention, leading to discussions about the treatment of sports events involving countries with political tensions.

     

    The ongoing debate raises questions about whether sports should be kept separate from politics, and it comes amidst India’s participation in the World Cup with an impressive performance, winning against Australia and Afghanistan. Pakistan, too, secured victories in their initial matches, setting the stage for an intense encounter in the cricketing world.

  • Piyush: India Ready to Bring Their A-Game Against Pakistan

    Piyush: India Ready to Bring Their A-Game Against Pakistan

    In one of the most fiercely contested cricket rivalries worldwide, India is gearing up to face archrivals Pakistan in the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 match. Renowned Indian spin legend Piyush Chawla has expressed his confidence in the Men in Blue’s preparations, firmly believing that they are ready to bring their A-game against Pakistan.

     

    Matches between India and Pakistan in the world of cricket consistently draw significant global attention due to the intense competition and rivalry that characterizes their encounters. As the nation eagerly anticipates this highly-anticipated match, Chawla shared his prediction for the game.

     

    In a statement to ANI, the Star Sports commentator asserted, “It is a big match and in a big tournament, both teams are playing well, so I hope that India plays well and they keep the winning momentum intact. Both teams are playing well, and India will bring their A-game.”

     

    The India vs. Pakistan match is scheduled to take place on October 14 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, located in the Motera area of Ahmedabad. Initially, the match was slated for October 15, but due to the commencement of Navratri celebrations on the same day, concerns were raised about providing adequate security for the event, leading to the change in schedule as per the Ahmedabad Police’s statement.

     

    India’s journey in the ICC World Cup 2023 began with victories over Australia and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Pakistan has also garnered momentum with two consecutive wins, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the two cricketing giants.

     

    As the countdown to the India-Pakistan World Cup match continues, fans worldwide are placing their hopes on cricket megastars from the Indian team, including Virat Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, and Mohammed Siraj. Their consistent performances will be crucial in maintaining India’s winning streak against Pakistan in 50-over World Cup competitions, with the aspiration to secure an 8-0 victory against their archrivals.

     

    In ODI World Cup matches, India holds a dominant head-to-head record, having emerged victorious in all seven previous encounters against Pakistan. This unblemished 100% win record underscores India’s reputation as a formidable force in World Cup competitions.

     

    Probable Playing XI for India and Pakistan:

    India: Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

     

    Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

     

    Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting this high-voltage clash as both India and Pakistan seek to extend their World Cup dominance and claim victory in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.

  • Sourav Ganguly Optimistic About India’s World Cup Chances

    Sourav Ganguly Optimistic About India’s World Cup Chances

    As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Cup, former India captain Sourav Ganguly is brimming with optimism about India’s chances if they maintain their current form and continue to play “good cricket” over the next 45 days. With cricket fever reaching its zenith worldwide, the Men in Blue are riding high on confidence after their victory in the Asia Cup and a successful ODI series against the five-time World Champions, Australia.

     

    Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India is set to enter the 2023 World Cup as the No.1 ranked ODI team, adding to the expectations and excitement surrounding the tournament.

     

    Sourav Ganguly, speaking to reporters, emphasized the significance of this year’s World Cup and praised India’s exceptional performance in the lead-up to the event. He remarked, “This is going to be a big World Cup. The World Cup is a big tournament. India has been playing very well, so it is a matter of delight. We hope that they continue to play the same good cricket for the next 45 days.”

     

    India’s batting lineup is bolstered by the return to form of several key players, including Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul, just ahead of the prestigious tournament. Shubman Gill, in particular, showcased superb form during India’s ODI series against Australia, accumulating a total of 178 runs throughout the series. After recovering from injuries, both Rahul and Iyer made remarkable comebacks and notched up centuries.

     

    Additionally, the role of Jasprit Bumrah, who recently made his comeback to the national side following a back injury that sidelined him for nearly a year, will be pivotal to India’s World Cup prospects. Bumrah’s fitness and performances will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining India’s success in the tournament.

     

    Before commencing their World Cup campaign, India is scheduled to play two warm-up matches. The first warm-up match is set to take place on Saturday against England at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, followed by a clash with the Netherlands on October 3 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

     

    India’s official World Cup campaign will kick off with a highly anticipated clash against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The tournament’s pinnacle, the high-voltage encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14, promising an electrifying showdown that cricket fans around the world eagerly await.

  • India-Pakistan Clash at Narendra Modi Stadium

    India-Pakistan Clash at Narendra Modi Stadium

    The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, set to kick off on October 5, 2023, is generating immense excitement among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is the clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled to be held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.

     

    Earlier this month, Team India and the Pakistani cricket team faced off twice during the Asia Cup 2023, with the Indian team dominating their arch-rivals. The first match was washed out, but in the second match held in Colombo, Team India secured a resounding victory, defeating Pakistan by 228 runs during the Super 4 stage.

     

    As anticipation builds for this high-stakes encounter, the official broadcasters of the ICC Cricket World Cup, Star Sports, are planning to resurrect the famous ‘Mauka Mauka’ TV ad campaign. In a recent viral video, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was seen shooting with Vishal Malhotra, the iconic ‘Mauka Mauka’ character.

     

    The ‘Mauka Mauka’ campaign originally debuted in 2015, created by Star Sports India to promote its broadcast of the 2015 Cricket World Cup. Initially conceived for the India-Pakistan group stage match, the campaign garnered overwhelming positive responses, prompting the creation of a series of advertisements for each of India’s matches in the 2015 World Cup. Vishal Malhotra played the role of the Pakistani supporter in the campaign, and the jingle for the advertisement was recorded by singer Alamgir Khan.

     

    In preparation for the upcoming World Cup clash in Narendra Modi stadium, Vishal Malhotra was once again spotted shooting for the ad campaign, this time donning a Pakistan team jersey alongside Ravindra Jadeja.

     

    Meanwhile, in a development related to the tournament, the members of the Pakistan cricket team were issued Indian visas for the ODI World Cup. This came after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised serious concerns with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the delay in the national team’s travel to Hyderabad.

     

    It’s worth noting that India and Pakistan cricket teams, owing to the tense relations between the two nations, only face each other in the Asia Cup and ICC tournaments. These limited encounters between the arch-rivals add an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the cricketing world.

  • Asia Cup 2023: Anticipation Builds as India’s Virat Kohli Prepares

    Asia Cup 2023: Anticipation Builds as India’s Virat Kohli Prepares

    With the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023 approaching, cricket enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the performance of India’s star batter, Virat Kohli, against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack, which includes talents like Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Kohli has historically shown exceptional performance against arch-rivals like Pakistan, as demonstrated by his outstanding show in the T20 World Cup in Melbourne last year. All eyes will be on Kohli as he faces the Pakistani pacers on September 2 at Kandy’s Pallekele International Stadium.

     

    Recently, during a press conference where India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup was announced, newly-appointed BCCI Chairman of Selectors, Ajit Agarkar, reportedly made a statement about Kohli’s prowess against Pakistan’s bowling attack. The statement, though not an actual response to a question, gained traction on social media platforms.

     

    Despite the lack of a direct question on the matter, a fictitious response attributed to Agarkar circulated, suggesting that Kohli would “take care of” Pakistan’s bowlers. However, this response was not part of the actual press conference.

     

    Reacting to the erroneous claim, Pakistan’s Shadab Khan expressed his skepticism about such claims. Following Pakistan’s 59-run victory against Afghanistan in the third ODI in Colombo, Shadab stated that mere words cannot determine the outcome of a match. He highlighted that the truth will only be revealed on the day of the match.

     

    Shadab Khan was quoted by Hindustan Times as saying, “It depends on a particular day, probably. Now, someone from India or I can make any claim, but those are just words. Anybody can say anything and that doesn’t change or affect anything. When we will have the match, then we might see what goes on.”

     

    In recent times, Virat Kohli has faced Pakistan in T20I contests since 2019, scoring 158 runs in 110 balls against pacers such as Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hasnain, and Shahnawaz Dahani. Kohli has been dismissed only once by Shaheen Afridi in the 2021 T20 World Cup, after scoring a fifty.

     

    As anticipation builds for the India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2023, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the showdown between Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s bowling talents, and the real outcome will unfold on match day.

  • India vs Pakistan World Cup Showdown: Pressure

    India vs Pakistan World Cup Showdown: Pressure

    The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan World Cup contest, now rescheduled to 14 October at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, has been the talk of the cricketing world. In a recent interview with The Week, former cricketing legend Kapil Dev discussed the immense pressure surrounding this iconic match.

     

    Kapil Dev shared his perspective on pressure, stating that it doesn’t arise merely when facing the ball; it starts building up even before that. He humorously mentioned instances like when a waiter serves coffee and says, “Don’t lose to Pakistan,” indicating how the hype and anticipation for this match begin long before the players step onto the field.

     

    The veteran cricketer’s remarks come in the backdrop of Indian players facing severe trolling in the past for making mistakes during matches against Pakistan. The intense rivalry between the two nations often amplifies the pressure on the players to deliver exceptional performances.

     

    Regarding India’s chances in the ICC World Cup 2023, Kapil Dev expressed optimism, saying his heart believes in India’s potential, but the team has a long journey ahead. He stressed the importance of various factors like luck, avoiding injuries, and strong team performances for winning the prestigious tournament, emphasizing that securing a spot in the top four should be the primary goal.

     

    Kapil Dev also commented on India’s recent performances, acknowledging the team’s confidence while pointing out that it can sometimes lead to complacency, with players thinking they know everything and not seeking advice from others.

     

    In addition to Kapil Dev’s observations, other cricketing veterans, including Sunil Gavaskar, have also raised questions about Team India’s decision-making. Gavaskar has been critical of the cricket management’s choices, particularly during the India vs West Indies series, where he questioned the inclusion of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli against a relatively weaker West Indies team.

     

    During the second ODI against West Indies, India suffered a defeat when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were absent from the playing XI, and Hardik Pandya took over the team’s command.

     

    As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the India vs Pakistan clash, these insights from cricket legends add to the excitement and anticipation surrounding one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.