The International Cricket Council (ICC) is forging ahead with its plans to create a mobile gaming platform, opting to secure player rights directly through member boards rather than involving the World Cricketers' Association (WCA). This decision, stemming from an April ICC Board meeting in Harare, underscores the organization's intent to manage all aspects of the project internally. The ICC aims to have a partner selected by October.
A key consideration for the ICC is how to incorporate retired players into the mobile game. Iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, who are no longer under contract with their respective boards, pose a unique challenge. The ICC recognizes that excluding such legends would diminish the game's appeal. To address this, the ICC management has requested the board to form a working group to find solutions for onboarding retired players. The goal is to resolve all outstanding issues before the next board meeting in October.
The ICC's decision to develop its own mobile game marks a shift from its previous approach of licensing out branding to third-party developers. Prior titles, such as ICC Cricket 2005, ICC Cricket 2007, and Cricket 19, were developed by external publishers and often faced licensing challenges. By taking direct control, the ICC aims to create a fully licensed and immersive cricket game that reflects the sport's diversity and global scale. The move aligns with the ICC's broader digital strategy to establish a long-term digital asset and a consistent revenue stream.
The global gaming industry presents a significant opportunity for the ICC. Sanjog Gupta, the CEO of the ICC, reportedly told members at the Singapore meeting that mobile cricket gaming could surpass the movie industry in terms of revenue. The mobile gaming market is experiencing rapid growth, particularly in South Asia, with India's sector projected to be worth $3 billion in 2024. The ICC believes that a well-crafted, official game could capitalize on this trend, offering fans a high-quality cricket experience and generating substantial revenue.
The ICC has already initiated the process of selecting a development partner. Shortlisted organizations will be asked to provide details on their game concept, marketing plans, and commercial offers. The ICC expects to receive responses from these organizations by early September, followed by presentations, selection, and negotiations. The organization plans to formalize the licensing of rights required for the mobile game by October.
