Ipsos Pakistan Poll on ICC World Cup 2023

Here are key points of the survey:

• 86% of Pakistanis are aware of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
• Fan Engagement: A significant 30% of Pakistanis are closely following the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 63% showing a moderate interest, while 7% are not keeping a close watch.
• Preferred Platforms: Television channels are the top choice for 60% to catch the action of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, followed closely by social media (22%), Cricket-related mobile apps (17%) and online sports websites are popular with 13% of spectators. A small 1% prefer radio broadcasts and 1% explore other sources.
• Excitement Levels: Excitement is for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 54% very excited, 39% excited, 4% neutral, and 3% not very excited.
• Host Country Recognition: An impressive 82% correctly identify India as the host country for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 4% mentioning Pakistan and 3% each for Australia and Sri Lanka. 2% refer to England, while 5% cite 'any other' location.
• Number of Participating Teams: While 48% correctly acknowledge that 10 teams are participating in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, 22% believe there are 12 teams, 9% think there are 8 teams, and 21% admit they don't know.
• Favorites for Semi-Finals: The top favorites for the semi-finals in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup are Pakistan, India, Australia and England.
• Speculations on Finalists: Respondents speculate that Pakistan and India are the top contenders for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final.
• Predicted Winner: The majority believe Pakistan will win the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 73% in favor. India (10%), Australia (6%), New Zealand (5%), England (4%), and South Africa (1%) also have their supports.
• Favorite Team: An overwhelming 92% declare Pakistan as their favorite cricket team.
• Most Run by Batsman - Predictions: Babar Azam is the top choice for the batsman with maximum runs in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup for 42% followed by Muhammad Rizwan (37%), Virat Kohli (7%).
• Most Wicket Taking Bowler - Predictions: Shaheen Afridi is the bowler most Pakistanis expect to have the most wickets in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with 47%. Haris Rauf (19%), Hassan Ali (14%) and Shadab Khan (8%) also garner support.
• Wicket Keeper with Most Catches: Predictions: Muhammad Rizwan is considered by 65% as the best wicketkeeper with the most catches and stumps in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
• Best Fielder Predictions: Shadab Khan is considered by 21% to be the best fielder with the most catches and run outs in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, followed by Babar Azam at 18% and Muhammad Rizwan at 14%.
• Best Player of WC – Predictions: Babar Azam is regarded as the best player by 34% followed by Muhammad Rizwan (26%) and Virat Kohli (14%).
• Preferred Commentators: Ramiz Raja stands out as the preferred commentator for 58%, followed by Waqar Younis (19%), Ravi Shastri (6%), and any other commentator (3%).
• Interest in Attending Matches: An impressive 67% of Pakistanis expressed interest in attending 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup matches in person if they obtained an Indian visa, while 33% declined the idea.
• Viewing Locations: Watching the ICC World Cup 2023 from home takes the lead at 68%, followed by 14% opting for large screens outdoors, 9% planning to watch at a friend's home, 6% at their workplace office, and 5% in a restaurant.
• Broadcasting Preferences: PTV Sports is the popular choice for the channel broadcasting the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, with 74% viewership. Geo Super (19%), Ten Sports (18%) and A Sports (12%) also have their share of viewership.
• Satisfaction with Coverage: Satisfaction with the coverage and accessibility of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in their region is surprisingly high, with 64% very satisfied and 29% satisfied. A smaller percentage (4%) remains neutral, and 1% and 2% express dissatisfaction and strong dissatisfaction, respectively.
• Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup held in India drew an audience of just 23%, with 77% opting not to watch it.
• Opinions on Opening Ceremony: Diverse opinions emerge regarding the quality of the opening ceremony, with 37% rating it as excellent, 35% very good, 18% neither good nor bad, 5% poor, and 6% very poor.
• Theme Song Reception: A mere 15% tuned in to watch the song of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup made in India, with the vast majority (85%) choosing not to. Views, of those who watched, on the song's quality differ: 25% consider it excellent, 27% very good, 15% neither good nor bad, 6% poor, and 27% very poor.
• Pakistan vs. India Final Prediction: If a final match happens between Pakistan and India in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, 82% of respondents believe Pakistan will win, while 15% favor India and 3% remain uncertain about the outcome.

Click below for the report.