Cricket is set to have a new face and evolve into a bigger world with the development of an AI (artificial intelligence) tool.
This development was influenced and birthed by a groundbreaking collaboration between LootMogul, an Indian sports technology company, Cricket South Africa and the Durban Super Giant.
Durban Super Giant is a South African professional franchise cricket team that was formed in 2022. They participated in their first Twenty20 cricket competition in 2023.
This digital makeover was created by leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
The transformation is geared towards increasing the popularity of cricket while creating other channels of revenue for the club, and players and fostering collaborations with notable brands.
Speaking about the collaboration, Vibhu Srivastava, the digital marketing head at LootMogul said,
“It indicates the significant potential for future business opportunities.”
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Following the implementation of an innovative strategy integrating artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and the metaverse, there has been a notable surge in platform engagement metrics.
After one month, the platform witnessed an impressive average of 4.05 million visits, indicative of a substantial increase in user activity.
This uptick in engagement is further underscored by the introduction of an average of 48,177 new games played monthly, marking a significant expansion of the platform’s gaming ecosystem.
Moreover, the number of games played per month experienced a remarkable surge, soaring by an impressive 242.5%.
These promising metrics not only reflect the effectiveness of the new strategy but also highlight the platform’s growing appeal and relevance in the dynamic landscape of digital entertainment.
What Does This Mean For Cricket In South Africa?
This unique partnership aims to offer a more pleasant and holistic experience to fans of the sport while enjoying a more digitised version.
Fans will have access to games on websites and applications just as we have with football. This allows them to experience a virtual yet realistic experience of being in the heart of cricket action.
The games are designed in a way that the fun, grit and suspense are nothing different from what is experienced at a live match in the stadium.
LootMogul, in its commitment to enhancing fan engagement and extending the connection with sports beyond live matches, has introduced an interactive gaming platform feature.
This innovative addition aims to provide fans with a year-round avenue to stay connected with their favourite sports.
By offering an immersive gaming experience, LootMogul seeks to create a dynamic and ongoing relationship between fans and the sports they are passionate about.
This strategic move aligns with the platform’s broader vision of providing a comprehensive and interactive sports entertainment ecosystem for its users.
The drive for digitization anchored by AI is ultimately aimed at building a stronger connection between fans, enthusiasts and the sport. This momentum would build the country’s participation and excitement as cricket gets included in the Olympics 2028 in Los Angeles, USA.
At the roll-out of the AI tool, SA Cricket’s Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki commended the development. He said,
“This is a leap into the future of cricket. It is not just about enhancing the game; it is about revolutionising the fan experience.”
The success of the implementation of this technological advancement in South Africa will inspire other African nations that have a professional cricket team.
FinTech Telex recalls that South Africa has had a remarkable history with cricket ever since the first visit by a touring British test side, in 1888.
Following targeted sanctions during the Apartheid era, cricket in South Africa experienced a significant resurgence post-1994, evolving into a sport loved and accessible to all citizens.
Presently, the nation holds the fifth in the world for test cricket and the third position in one-day international (ODI) rankings.
