| MEDIA RELEASE February 28, 2023 |
| Australian Cricket Sets New Attendance Record in 2022/23 |
More fans attended cricket in Australia than any previous season on record with 2,400,755 coming through the turnstiles during the 2022-23 season. The result surpasses the previous record of 2,349,326, which was set in the Ashes season of 2017/18 and includes Men’s and Women’s Internationals, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the W/BBL. In addition to the attendance record, there was growth in broadcast and streaming viewing figures, with a total cumulative audience of 44.45 million consuming 238.72 million viewer hours of coverage throughout the season. The KFC BBL delivered an 11% increase in viewership across all platforms, consolidating the league’s position as Australia’s most-watched league of any sport on an average audience per game basis. The KFC BBL Final between the Perth Scorchers and Brisbane Heat was watched by an average audience of over 1.3 million, representing a 30% increase on the previous year’s decider. The success of the T20 World Cup and Weber WBBL meant more cricket was watched in October than in any previous season, with a 31% increase in audience year-on-year. Demonstrating the enduring popularity of the national game, 24 Men’s Test Match sessions were watched by an average audience of over 1m nationally. Following Series 1 of The Test on Prime Video – which remains their most successful Australian docuseries ever – Series 2 was released in January and has been streamed millions of times in Australia and around the world. Cricket’s popularity with fans was also reflected on social media with Cricket Australia’s channels attracting 485.33 million video views and 93.31 million engagements across the domestic season. Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said: “Following two challenging seasons due to the pandemic, we are absolutely thrilled that more fans have attended cricket matches this season than ever before. This record-breaking 2022/23 season reflects the support for the T20 World Cup, the performances of the Australian women’s and men’s teams and the popularity of the Big Bash Leagues. These numbers demonstrate the passion of cricket fans of all ages and the massive reach that the game enjoys as our national sport. “With the Future Tours Program and long-term partnerships with broadcasters Foxtel Group and Seven West Media confirmed, we are more focussed than ever on delivering brilliant experiences for fans in 2023/24 and beyond. “I’d like to thank all our fans, players, broadcast, commerical and government partners, venues and staff for making it such a record-breaking season.” ENDS For further information contact: Max Abbott We acknowledge and pay respect to the hundreds of First Nations and Traditional Custodians of the land and waters encompassing where we are privileged to live, work and play the great game of cricket on. We recognise and celebrate their spiritual and ongoing connection to culture and Country. We respectfully acknowledge all Elders past, present and emerging as we continue to cherish shared wisdom and grow with their guidance as we walk together toward a connected Country. |
