Cricket's ecology in South Africa may be on the verge of undergoing a shift, which the implementation of cutting-edge technology such as blockchain and artificial intelligence might bring about. This endeavour aims to increase the sport's attraction to fans and provide extra streams of cash for fans, players, and companies.
According to the findings of a trial collaboration carried out by LootMogul, a sports technology business located in India, Cricket South Africa, and the Durban Super Giants, there has been a significant increase in fan involvement with cricket gaming platforms. This demonstrates the possible impact that digitalization might have on the sport.
Vibhu Srivastava, who is in charge of digital marketing at LootMogul, has stated that "this points to the immense possibilities for future business prospects."
On February 23, LootMogul brought to light the results of the trial programme that they had been doing.
After the deployment of an approach powered by artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and the metaverse, an astounding total of 4.05 million platform visits were recorded in only one month on the platform. With a considerable increase of over 240% in the number of games played each month, these data correlate to a fantastic growth in the average number of games played each month.
The cooperation, which aimed to combine the worlds of physical and digital cricket, was intended to provide cricket fans with a thorough and exciting experience.
The two companies would work together to create digital reproductions of South African stadiums, players, and every aspect of the sport. This would be the result of their partnership. Digital maps, which are provided as interactive experiences on websites and applications, give the fans the opportunity to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of cricket completely. This opportunity is made available to fans through the use of digital maps.
As per LootMogul's assertions, their interactive gaming platform offers fans a chance to stay connected with the sport all year round. This extended engagement opportunity goes beyond live matches, fostering a deeper connection with the game.
Cricket South Africa and LootMogul established their relationship on December 5, despite the disclosure of the arrangement with the Durban Super Giants in January. At that time, LootMogul was announced as the official Cricket Metaverse Gaming Partner.
By the time a touring British test squad arrived in South Africa for the first time in 1888, the country had already established itself as a significant player in the world of cricket. The sport of cricket in South Africa underwent a substantial transition following the period of apartheid, during which the nation was subject to sanctions. Since its inception in 1994, it has developed into a sport that individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds appreciate. With great pride, South Africa is now ranked fifth in the global test rankings and third in the one-day international (ODI) rankings. Both of these rankings are significant accomplishments for South Africa.
When compared to other sports, such as football and rugby, its popularity among viewers in the United States is lower than that of different activities. South Africa Cricket is continually looking for methods to increase the number of people who follow the sport.
The digitalization programme, which is based on cutting-edge technology and the deployment of artificial intelligence, has the potential to develop a strong tie between fans and the sport, which will result in an increased attraction for the game among its followers.
The sport's popularity is continuing to rise worldwide, making it clear that there is the possibility of extending the fan base in South Africa. Adding more evidence to the growing influence that cricket is having on a worldwide scale is the fact that it will be featured in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
Cricket is now firmly established in the world of the future as a result of this significant advancement, which propels the game into the realm of the future. When the project was first introduced in December, Pholetsi Moseki, the Chief Executive Officer of South African Cricket, made the following statement: "It is not only about improving the game; it is about completely transforming the fan experience."
An example of the most recent development in Africa is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in cricket, which is contributing to the growing usage of AI in sports. This covers player analytics, data evaluation, and game administration.
South Africa's successful introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the sport of cricket is an encouraging sign for other countries on the African continent that are passionate about cricket, such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Kenya.