IPL Live Scores Surge In US Interest As Cricket Gains Popularity
IPL Live Scores Surge In US Interest As Cricket Gains Popularity...
Cricket fans across the U.S. are flocking to check IPL live scores as the 2026 Indian Premier League season enters its most competitive phase. The tournament, which began March 22, has seen record-breaking viewership in America this week as key matches determine playoff contenders.
Google Trends data shows searches for "IPL live score" spiked 180% in the U.S. over the past 24 hours. This surge coincides with Thursday's high-stakes doubleheader featuring the Mumbai Indians vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders.
Major League Cricket's growing presence in America has fueled interest in the IPL, with several U.S.-based players participating in this year's tournament. Star batter Steven Taylor, who plays for MI New York in MLC, is currently competing for the Kolkata Knight Riders.
ESPN+ and Willow TV, which hold U.S. broadcasting rights, reported their highest concurrent viewership numbers ever during Wednesday night's Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings match. The game ended in a last-ball thriller witnessed by over 350,000 American viewers.
Cricket analysts attribute the IPL's U.S. popularity to three factors: the league's star power, convenient evening broadcast times (matches air at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM ET), and the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by America. Major cities like New York, Dallas and Los Angeles will host World Cup matches starting June 4.
Social media engagement tells a similar story. The official IPL Twitter account gained 120,000 new U.S. followers this week alone. Viral moments, like Virat Kohli's 73rd century on April 8, generated over 2 million U.S.-based interactions.
Sports bars in immigrant-heavy cities like Jersey City and Santa Clara are reporting packed houses for IPL screenings. "We've had to add 15 more TVs just for cricket," said Raj Patel, owner of SF Cricket Club in San Francisco. "Even non-South Asian customers are getting into it."
The rising interest presents opportunities for U.S. advertisers. Brands like Google and Uber have bought IPL ad slots targeting American audiences for the first time this season. With 12 matches remaining before playoffs begin April 25, cricket's stateside momentum shows no signs of slowing.
