In a strategic move set to reshape the digital cricketing landscape, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to bypass the World Cricketers Association (WCA) in its efforts to create and launch an official mobile cricket game. The apex body of world cricket is now taking a direct route—working with its member boards to secure player rights rather than approaching a third-party organisation like the WCA.
The decision was reaffirmed during the ICC's Annual Conference held recently in Singapore. A note circulated among attendees stated clearly: “A clear direction from the April (ICC Board meeting in Harare) meeting was that all players' rights for this project would be secured through the members. The ICC was not to contract player rights through a third party such as the World Cricketers Association.”
This strategic pivot underlines how seriously the ICC is taking its mobile gaming project—a venture that could potentially become one of its most lucrative commercial undertakings in the coming years.
Why Player Rights Are the Key to Success
For the ICC’s gaming platform to be truly global and commercially viable, it must feature recognisable faces—both current superstars and legendary players of the past. However, this creates a logistical challenge. Players under contract with their national boards are one thing; dealing with retired legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, and others who no longer fall under board contracts is another altogether.
These icons have massive fan bases. A cricket game without them would feel incomplete, potentially limiting the reach and marketability of the product. Recognising this, the ICC has urged member boards to form a working group that can address these challenges, including the onboarding of retired players whose image rights may need to be negotiated separately.
The Timeline and What's Next
The ICC has already initiated the process of finding a suitable partner for this gaming venture. After a global Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign, 15 applicants were shortlisted based on their proven track record in mobile game development and financial capacity.
Those shortlisted have now been sent an official Invitation to Tender (ITT), with final responses due by early September. The selection process will include two phases—technical evaluation followed by a review of the commercial offer.
If all goes as planned, the ICC will present its chosen partner and the roadmap at its October board meeting. This includes finalising licensing agreements, understanding distribution logistics, and forecasting revenue models.
Bringing in the Experts: A&W Capital’s Role
To add credibility and financial oversight, the ICC has brought in A&W Capital as its official consultant. Selected over heavyweights like Deloitte and BCG, A&W Capital was chosen for its deep knowledge of the Indian gaming and cricket markets. With offices in Mumbai and London, the firm is expected to present a comprehensive valuation of the gaming rights bundle and propose optimal revenue generation models by October.
This financial blueprint will help the ICC and its stakeholders make informed decisions, not just about game development but about its potential to become a recurring revenue stream.
A Booming Market Awaits
The ICC’s pivot into mobile gaming is not a shot in the dark—it’s a calculated step into a booming industry. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global gaming market was worth USD 249.55 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to over USD 665 billion by 2030. Asia-Pacific alone commanded a 46% market share in 2022.
India, too, is turning into a hotbed for online gaming. A recent report from PwC India states that the sector is expected to double in value to ₹66,000 crore by 2028, potentially creating 200,000–300,000 jobs. That makes the ICC's move timely, forward-thinking, and commercially smart.
Sanjog Gupta, the newly appointed CEO of the ICC, reportedly told members at the Singapore conference, “It (mobile gaming in cricket) will be bigger than the movies.” That may not be hyperbole. Cricket already has a colossal fanbase, and a quality mobile game that resonates globally could be a game-changer—both financially and culturally.
Roadblocks Ahead?
Despite the optimism and a well-laid roadmap, there's cautious realism among member boards. Industry insiders suggest the project could take over a year to fully roll out. There are multiple legal and contractual hurdles, especially with securing rights from retired players, dealing with overlapping sponsorships, and navigating international intellectual property laws.
Moreover, fan expectations are sky-high. Today’s gamers are discerning. They expect more than just player images and stats—they want immersive gameplay, real-time updates, customisations, and perhaps even integration with live matches.
If the ICC delivers a product that hits these high notes, the mobile cricket game could set new standards not just for cricket, but for sports gaming worldwide.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for Cricket’s Digital Expansion
The ICC’s foray into mobile gaming represents more than just another commercial venture—it marks cricket’s evolution into a fully immersive digital ecosystem. By engaging fans through interactive platforms, the sport can foster deeper connections, tap into new markets, and unlock unprecedented revenue streams.
However, success hinges on execution. From acquiring image rights to finalising the game design and monetisation model, every detail will matter.
For fans, gamers, and cricket bettors alike, this development is worth keeping an eye on.
For more updates on this groundbreaking project and to stay ahead with accurate cricket betting tips, match previews, and expert analysis, head over to CricketBettingTips.org — your trusted source for everything cricket.
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