The International Cricket Council (ICC) and FanCraze have announced a significant extension of their multi-year partnership, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of digital fan engagement. This partnership, unveiled alongside the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, promises to launch innovative products aimed at enhancing the fan experience.
Launch of ICC Crictos SuperTeam
Central to this announcement is the introduction of ICC Crictos SuperTeam, a Web3 fantasy game that features officially licensed ICC digital video collectibles. Through SuperTeam, fans will have the opportunity to create fantasy cricket teams using their ICC Crictos, allowing them to participate in daily and weekly contests for a chance to win rewards. This game aims to test and showcase their cricket knowledge on a global stage.
Building on Previous Successes
The partnership will build on the success of ICC Crictos over the past two years, which has transformed the way fans interact with cricket. ICC Crictos provided fans with exclusive digital video collectibles that commemorate some of the most iconic moments in cricket history, ranging from match-winning sixes to remarkable performances by top players. These collectibles have created a new dimension of engagement, allowing fans to own a piece of cricket history.
Unique activations have played a crucial role in enhancing fan engagement. For instance, special ICC Crictos were gifted to fans attending the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, and exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences were offered. Events like ICC Quiz Night and ICC Stadium Tours have also enriched the fan experience by providing opportunities to meet cricket heroes and participate in activities that celebrate the sport’s spirit.
Innovative Fan Interaction
Finn Bradshaw, ICC Head of Digital, expressed excitement about the launch of ICC Crictos SuperTeam, noting that it will offer cricket fans a novel gameplay experience during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Bradshaw emphasized the use of innovative technology to deepen fan interaction and expand the sport’s global reach. He highlighted that signing up for SuperTeam will allow fans to feel closer to the game and be part of the grand cricket spectacle, regardless of their location.
Anshum Bhambri, Co-Founder and CEO of FanCraze, reflected on the global significance of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which has hosted numerous iconic moments and players over the past 15 years. Bhambri indicated that the launch of SuperTeam represents a major milestone for FanCraze in its mission to create a compelling global community for cricket fans. He expressed enthusiasm for fans to use their ICC Crictos to assemble fantasy teams during the upcoming World Cup, envisioning that SuperTeam will revolutionize digital sports fandom and expand FanCraze’s userbase across over 100 countries.
Future Prospects
The extension of the partnership between ICC and FanCraze is set to usher in a new era of digital engagement for cricket fans. With the integration of advanced Web3 technologies and the introduction of ICC Crictos SuperTeam, fans can look forward to a more immersive and interactive experience. This initiative not only enhances fan participation but also aims to build a global community that shares a passion for cricket.
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 approaches, the collaboration between ICC and FanCraze is expected to bring fans closer to the action, offering new ways to engage with the sport they love. The launch of innovative products like SuperTeam signifies a step forward in leveraging digital technology to transform the landscape of sports fandom, making cricket more accessible and enjoyable for fans worldwide.