Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni have been a crowd favourite this IPL. AP
Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni have been a crowd favourite this IPL. AP
Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni have been a crowd favourite this IPL. AP
Chennai Super Kings and MS Dhoni have been a crowd favourite this IPL. AP

Sport

Cricket

IPL 2023 scales new viewership heights as Dhoni and Chennai lead the way

Chennai Super Kings' last-ball finish against Rajasthan Royals topped the table for online viewers

Ajit Vijaykumar

April 15, 2023

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The Indian Premier League has scaled new heights this season in terms of audience engagement on the back of successive last-ball finishes and a new broadcast strategy.

With audiences consuming more content on their phones and hand-held devices, audience data for IPL 2023 reflect a similar trend with online viewership breaking new records.

The closing stages of the match between Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk on Wednesday - which was MS Dhoni's 200th as Chennai captain - saw the highest number of concurrent viewers at 22 million on India's online rights holders JioCinema.

Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja steered a tense chase with the match on a knife's edge in the last over as the former India captain hit successive sixes to bring the equation down to five needed from one ball. However, a near-perfect yorker by seamer Sandeep Sharma secured victory for Rajasthan.

A 41-year-old Dhoni's last over assault on Wednesday pushed viewership numbers on the digital platform past the 20 million concurrent mark for the first time this season. Such numbers were to be expected after digital rights holder - billionaire Mukesh Ambani - decided to show the IPL free of charge across India after bidding $2.7 billion for it.

Among other factors driving the rise in online viewers include 4k quality feed, multiple camera options for viewers and commentary in various regional languages.

Numbers are similarly encouraging on the TV front, whose rights were bought by Disney for around $3 billion. According to Disney Star, the official TV broadcasters in India, IPL 2023 had a cumulative reach of 300 million viewers for the first 10 matches, with the opening match of the tournament between Chennai and Gujarat Titans peaking at 56m viewers on the traditional medium.

Highest viewership for IPL 2023:

1. 22 million: Chennai Super Kings v Rajasthan Royals

2. 18 million: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Lucknow Super Giants

=3. 17 million: Chennai Super Kings v Lucknow Super Giants

=3. 17 million: Mumbai Indians v Delhi Capitals

5. 16 million: Chennai Super Kings v Gujarat Titans

Note: Peak concurrent viewers on digital platform

  • Bollywood star Rashmika Mandanna performs during the opening ceremony for IPL 2023 in Ahmedabad on Friday, March 31. AFP
    Bollywood star Rashmika Mandanna performs during the opening ceremony for IPL 2023 in Ahmedabad on Friday, March 31. AFP
  • Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni during the opening ceremony of the 2023 IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, March 31, 2023. Sportzpics for IPL
    Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni during the opening ceremony of the 2023 IPL at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday, March 31, 2023. Sportzpics for IPL
  • Drone show during the IPL 2023 opening ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sportzpics for IPL
    Drone show during the IPL 2023 opening ceremony at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Sportzpics for IPL
  • Drone show during the IPL opener in Ahmedabad on Friday. Sportzpics for IPL
    Drone show during the IPL opener in Ahmedabad on Friday. Sportzpics for IPL
  • More than 100,000 fans attended the opening game of IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. AFP
    More than 100,000 fans attended the opening game of IPL 2023 between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. AFP
  • Drone show during match 1 of the Tata Indian Premier League between the Gujarat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 31st March 2023 Photo by: Vipin Pawar / SPORTZPICS for IPL
    Drone show during match 1 of the Tata Indian Premier League between the Gujarat Titans and the Chennai Super Kings held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 31st March 2023 Photo by: Vipin Pawar / SPORTZPICS for IPL
  • Cricket fans arrive at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 31, 2023, to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. (Photo by SAM PANTHAKY / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE
    Cricket fans arrive at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 31, 2023, to watch the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. (Photo by SAM PANTHAKY / AFP) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE
  • Bollywood star Tamannaah Bhatia performs during the opening ceremony. AFP
    Bollywood star Tamannaah Bhatia performs during the opening ceremony. AFP
  • Singer Arijit Singh performs during the opening ceremony in Ahmedabad. AFP
    Singer Arijit Singh performs during the opening ceremony in Ahmedabad. AFP
  • Bollywood star Rashmika Mandanna during the opening ceremony on Friday. AFP
    Bollywood star Rashmika Mandanna during the opening ceremony on Friday. AFP
  • Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, left, with Chennai Super Kings' Mahendra Singh Dhoni. AFP
    Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya, left, with Chennai Super Kings' Mahendra Singh Dhoni. AFP
  • Singer Arijit Singh performs in Ahmedabad. AP
    Singer Arijit Singh performs in Ahmedabad. AP
Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Coffee: black death or elixir of life?

It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?

Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.

The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.

The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.

Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. 

The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.

But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.

Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.

It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.

So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.

Rory Reynolds

Ballon d’Or shortlists

Men

Sadio Mane (Senegal/Liverpool), Sergio Aguero (Aregentina/Manchester City), Frenkie de Jong (Netherlans/Barcelona), Hugo Lloris (France/Tottenham), Dusan Tadic (Serbia/Ajax), Kylian Mbappe (France/PSG), Trent Alexander-Arnold (England/Liverpool), Donny van de Beek (Netherlands/Ajax), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon/Arsenal), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Germany/Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Juventus), Alisson (Brazil/Liverpool), Matthijs de Ligt (Netherlands/Juventus), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Georginio Wijnaldum (Netherlands/Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands/Liverpool), Bernardo Silva (Portugal/Manchester City), Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham), Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich), Roberto Firmino (Brazil/Liverpool), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria/Manchester City), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium/Manchester City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Senegal/Napoli), Antoine Griezmann (France/Barcelona), Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid), Marquinhos (Brazil/Paris-SG), Raheem Sterling (Eengland/Manchester City), Joao Félix(Portugal/Atletico Madrid)

Women

Sam Kerr (Austria/Chelsea), Ellen White (England/Manchester City), Nilla Fischer (Sweden/Linkopings), Amandine Henry (France/Lyon), Lucy Bronze(England/Lyon), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando Pride), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands/Arsenal), Dzsenifer Marozsan (Germany/Lyon), Pernille Harder (Denmark/Wolfsburg), Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Lyon), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC), Lieke Martens (Netherlands/Barcelona), Sari van Veenendal (Netherlands/Atletico Madrid), Wendie Renard (France/Lyon), Rose Lavelle(USA/Washington Spirit), Marta (Brazil/Orlando Pride), Ada Hegerberg (Norway/Lyon), Kosovare Asllani (Sweden/CD Tacon), Sofia Jakobsson (Sweden/CD Tacon), Tobin Heath (USA/Portland Thorns)

 

 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

NINE WINLESS GAMES

Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Oct 27, PL)

Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal  (Oct 30, EFL)

Arsenal 1-1 Wolves (Nov 02, PL)

Vitoria Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal  (Nov 6, Europa)

Leicester 2-0 Arsenal (Nov 9, PL)

Arsenal 2-2 Southampton (Nov 23, PL)

Arsenal 1-2 Eintracht Frankfurt (Nov 28, Europa)

Norwich 2-2 Arsenal (Dec 01, PL)

Arsenal 1-2 Brighton (Dec 05, PL)

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While you're here
MATCH INFO

Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
 
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
UAE v Oman - abandoned
Oman v Namibia - abandoned

Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 (PA) | US$95,000 | (Dirt) 2,000m
7.05pm: Meydan Classic Listed (TB) ) | $175,000) | (Turf) 1,600m
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Nad Al Sheba Trophy Group 3 (TB) ) | $300,000) | (T) 2,810m
8.50pm: Curlin Handicap Listed (TB)) | $160,000) | (D) 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB)) | $175,000) | (T) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap (TB) ) | $135,000 ) | (T) 2,000m

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The Brutalist

Director: Brady Corbet

Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn

Rating: 3.5/5

WRESTLING HIGHLIGHTS
While you're here
Updated: April 15, 2023, 3:42 AM
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