The International Cricket Council (ICC) has entered into a groundbreaking technology partnership with the NEAR Foundation, heralding a new era of fan engagement in the world of cricket. The collaboration aims to leverage the NEAR Web3 ecosystem to amplify fan participation and interaction on a global scale.
NEAR Foundation: The Official Blockchain Partner
Under this agreement, the NEAR Foundation assumes the role of the ICC’s official blockchain partner, a partnership set to extend until the conclusion of 2025. The collaboration is poised to revolutionize fan engagement, introduce cricket to new audiences, and provide enduring value to cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
A Pioneering Collaboration
The collaboration kicks off with the launch of a pre-match strategy exercise in anticipation of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, commencing on October 5. This innovative challenge, made possible through NEAR’s Blockchain Operating System (B.O.S.), invites fans to engage in friendly competition, showcasing their cricket expertise.
Participants will be tasked with making strategic decisions to assemble winning combinations across cricket’s fundamental elements: batting, bowling, and fielding. As real-life matches unfold, the performance of fans’ chosen teams directly impacts their rankings on the leaderboard. Weekly winners will be rewarded with enticing prizes, including match tickets, exclusive events, Men’s CWC apparel, and more. This immersive experience places fans at the heart of the action, forging a closer connection to the sport.
NEAR’s Reliability and Scalability
By developing its products on the B.O.S., the ICC will benefit from the reliability of one of the world’s most extensively scalable, community-driven, and secure blockchains. This strategic choice empowers the ICC to craft experiences that unify hundreds of millions of cricket fans globally. The platform’s capabilities will facilitate increased interaction among fans, ICC events, and their cherished teams and players.
A Future of Enhanced Fan Engagement
Beyond the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, the collaboration will extend to the creation of long-term Web3 use cases that recognize and reward fan loyalty. The larger the fan’s dedication, the greater the benefits and access they will receive. The B.O.S., with its comprehensive suite of Web3 features and user-friendly onboarding, aligns with the ICC’s vision of establishing a fan passport. This passport will enable fans to securely record their experiences and memories across all touchpoints, spanning both online and offline realms.
Pioneering Digital Engagement
Finn Bradshaw, Head of Digital at the ICC, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential to enhance fan engagement on a global scale. He stated, “We are excited to embark on this partnership with NEAR Foundation and to use their technology and network of talent to create better and deeper fan engagement around the globe. We are looking forward to exploring ways in which we can use new technology to create lasting, valuable experiences for our fans.”
NEAR Foundation’s Vision
Chris Donovan, CEO of the NEAR Foundation, emphasized the significance of this multi-year collaboration. He underscored NEAR’s growing reputation as a blockchain technology provider within the sports world and its mission to foster the adoption of an open web. Given the immense popularity of cricket, this partnership holds the potential to expose the NEAR ecosystem to hundreds of millions of cricket enthusiasts. They will have the opportunity to explore NEAR Foundation’s mission and engage with Web3 use cases built on the Blockchain Operating System.
In closing, the partnership between the ICC and the NEAR Foundation signifies a significant advancement in cricket’s digital landscape. It promises to deliver enhanced fan engagement and interaction, placing cricket enthusiasts at the forefront of the action. This collaboration epitomizes the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize fan experiences in the realm of sports and paves the way for a more inclusive and exhilarating world of cricket.