Published: Mar 29, 2017, 11:42 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 29, 2017, 11:42 AM (IST)
The full scale of success in the second edition of the DTC Hong Kong T20 Blitz has been revealed, following the release of figures from the live streaming coverage of the event. Full data collected from the tournament generated 11.8 million views across Facebook and YouTube over the five days, obliterating last year’s 51,000 over two days and the anticipated target of 1 million. Over 8.4 million of those views were live during the coverage, with the remaining 3.4 million watched the videos on demand. While, the majority of viewership came from cricket stronghold markets such as India, the growth in the local Hong Kong market was also notable. Babar Hayat: Pleasing to win Hong Kong T20 Blitz title as captain
A total of 146,000 views in total were from the Territory, up from just 8,000 in the Blitz’s opening season. In addition, both weekend days of the tournament were sold out, which resulted in an electric atmosphere both at the ground and during the broadcast. “The numbers have been mind-blowing,” Cricket Hong Kong CEO Tim Cutler said. “As an organisation we are extremely proud to have attracted such a wide audience with virtually no marketing spend and a broadcast budget that would not have come close to equaling the cost of one international T20 match, let alone 11 like we covered.” Kowloon Cantons beat City Kaitak by 25 runs; retain Hong Kong T20 Blitz title
“It shows there is still huge potential for growth, while at the same time proving and there is great appetite and point of difference to our tournament. We’re delighted to achieve these results while remaining resourceful with what we have and now we have a platform to take this tournament to another level in 2018. Naturally, the next step will be a television broadcast while also increasing our commercial portfolio.” HK T20 Blitz 2017, Match 7: Samuels’ all-round show inspires Kowloon Cantons to 44-run win over Hong Kong Island United
The tournament also made waves in the cricket world, with the Blitz becoming the first major T20 event to be run by an Associate member. ICC Head of Global Development William Glenright said: “I was thoroughly impressed not only with the quality of the stream but with the attention to detail of the tournament. The Hong Kong T20 Blitz reflected the quality and professionalism of a Member Association that we can – and should – learn from.”
“That the tournament was so successfully delivered by an Associate Member is particularly impressive. [Hong Kong] demonstrated a capacity and an eagerness to attract more international competitions to Hong Kong which is something we want to encourage amongst our Associate Members.” Preparations have already begun for the 2018 event with dates to be confirmed following the release of the schedule of the Cricket World Cup qualifiers.
