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Tag: ESPNcricinfo

  • Maruti Suzuki and ESPNcricinfo up the ante for cricket fans in Super 8 stage

    Maruti Suzuki and ESPNcricinfo up the ante for cricket fans in Super 8 stage

    Mumbai: When India’s premier automobile brand collaborates with the foremost digital destination for cricket enthusiasts, it sparks a dynamic partnership that transforms the fan experience into an extraordinary journey. Maruti Suzuki, the nation’s leading car manufacturer, has joined forces with ESPNcricinfo to elevate the thrill of the cricket season for avid fans seeking an immersive experience.

    The two brands meticulously outlined a comprehensive plan to captivate the attention of young fans actively searching the internet for high-quality, value-driven content throughout these four months that promised a remarkable lineup including the WPL, IPL, and the T20 World Cup 2024.

    The excitement began with “Maruti Suzuki Arena presents ICONS, Made for More” – a captivating series of insightful and entertaining conversations with the legendary Mithali Raj. The entire series was shot in the stylish Maruti Suzuki S-PRESSO, where Mithali and popular sports presenter Bhavna Balakrishnan were engaged in heady discussions, as they explored modern-day icons of women’s cricket, who are truly made for more.

    From Harmanpreet Singh to Smriti Mandhana, Jemima Rodrigues to Sneh Rana, the duo delved into the journeys of these cricket stars, focusing on their hunger for more. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso philosophy provided a perfect backdrop for these conversations, examining how these icons have led exciting lives on and off the field.

    As we moved to the IPL, fans witnessed a series of content integrations for Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsors on ESPNcricinfo’s daily video show – Timeout. This show featured top international and Indian cricket experts as they discuss the day’s happenings from the IPL. From Steve Smith and Irfan Pathan to Ian Bishop, Tom Moody, and Varun Aaron – the flagship show saw a power-packed combine of much-followed voices that came together for this year’s edition.

    The T20 World Cup began with a singular event, Maruti Suzuki Arena presents T20 Rendezvous in association with JBL, where two reputed thought leaders from the game – celebrated Indian pacer, commentator and analyst Irfan Pathan and legendary Australian batter Mathew Hayden – came together in a unique setting that was enriched by the presence of a live audience. The duo presented their views on the much-awaited World T20 extravaganza that was to unfold in US and the Caribbean Island, even as cricket fans witnessed robust, unflinching, and even unconventional opinions laid bare for them to consume, share, and debate about. As the two luminaries discussed every nuance and argued on topics like their chosen Playing XIs, fan-favorite matchups, records and milestones, and even the impact of variables like new venues, teams and players – fans were in for a feast, especially when Pathan and Haydos announced their predictions for the World Cup winners.

    ESPN

    As the World Cup began, we saw leading voices from the game, the likes of spin legend Anil Kumble, ex-England, IPL and PSL coach Andy Flower, NZ captain, IPL and BBL coach Stephen Fleming, 2-time World Cup winner Tom Moody, ex-Pakistan skipper Urooj Mumtaz, popular commentator and ex-WI pacer Ian Bishop, and World Cup-winning Australian captain Aaron Finch lead our Timeout panel. They were joined by famous names like Morne Morkel (SA), Tamin Iqbal (Bangladesh), Nick Knight (England), Daren Ganga (WI), Farveez Maharoof (SL), Samuel Badree (WI), Niall O’Brien (Ireland), Sanjay Manjrekar, Varun Aaron, and Wasim Jaffer among others. Together, they brought alive the most-consumed digital show Maruti Suzuki Arena presents ESPNcricinfo Timeout, as we presented every match, every crucial happening to fans. Legendary spinner and former India captain and coach, Anil Kumble says, “I believe that many years of international experience with the Indian Cricket team and subsequent association with the current players through coaching and playing in the IPL, enhances one’s ability to evaluate any team’s performance on the field, especially in the ever-evolving T20 format. Sharing these insights with the audience on Timeout and other ESPNcricinfo shows makes for a rewarding experience, with the need to provide insightful and in-depth analysis to passionate fans. This role keeps me connected to the sport I cherish while offering enthusiasts a deeper appreciation and understanding of cricket’s intricacies.”

    A collage of a group of men

    Also continuing from the IPL was Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Safe Hands, a daily topical post-match video feature where experts pick their favorite fielder for the day who acted as the true safety net for his team.

    That’s not all – the coming weeks will see a unique content strand being added to this collaboration, as India’s Under-19 team prepares to take on England in July. Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Road to the Future, will be a series of short videos focused on talented youngsters like Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni and others that hold true potential and promise, to become tomorrow’s cricketing sensations. The young players will be seated in a Maruti Suzuki Swift, where they talk us through their journey so far, the key support pillars and their vision on the road ahead.

    Maruti Suzuki India Ltd senior executive officer, marketing and sales Partho Banerjee opined, “India’s rich tapestry of cultures finds a common ground in the nation’s profound love for cricket. Maruti Suzuki takes pride in forging a deep connection with its diverse customer base, a sentiment mirrored in the country’s passion for Cricket. Our long-standing collaboration with ESPNcricinfo, strengthens our commitment to resonate with Cricket lovers. This partnership reflects Maruti Suzuki’s core philosophy to create brand affinity and maintains a strong connect with our customers by consistently delivering excellence.”

    Maruti Suzuki Arena continues to lead the way in innovation by sponsoring the ESPNcricinfo Gameboard, launched during the T20 World Cup 2024. This state-of-the-art feature provides fans with a customizable and interactive live scorecard experience. Fans can select widgets based on their preferences, from commentary and player stats to detailed score breakdowns. The Gameboard offers a visually stunning and highly interactive experience, placing fans at the center of the action and allowing them to tailor their cricket viewing like never before.

    A screenshot of a video game

    This collaboration with ESPNcricinfo is an all-encompassing campaign designed to capture fans’ attention at every touchpoint. Through brand banners, content partnerships, custom content, and innovative initiatives, Maruti Suzuki Arena ensures continuous engagement and reinforces its commitment to cricket fans across the nation.

    Speaking on the association, ESPNcricinfo director – revenue Akshaya Kolhe said, “Our association with Maruti Suzuki is today one of the longest-running brand partnerships in the history of digital media in India. It is our continued endeavor to create the best of fan-centric content, with an aim to connect Maruti Suzuki with their audiences in the most organic, seamless manner possible. By aligning with the brand’s campaign objectives, we aim to deliver entertaining and awe-inspiring insights and stories to our new-age consumers who are continually looking for quality content and powerful storytelling.”

    As ESPNcricinfo continues to evolve, it promises to uphold its legacy of excellence and innovation in cricket coverage. Yet again, this has been validated through the diverse, enriching, and entertaining series of content in partnership with Maruti Suzuki, that leads its stellar coverage of the T20 World Cup this year. Through this coverage, it is well and truly living up to its communication of “Scores Se lot More”.

  • IPL 2024 on Star Sports: Sign language commentary, 4K with Atmos & more

    IPL 2024 on Star Sports: Sign language commentary, 4K with Atmos & more

    Mumbai: The TATA IPL 2024 on Star Sports couldn’t have asked for a better start. While the action on the field has lived up to its billing, Star Sports has pulled out all stops to ensure that the overall broadcast experience has been surreal for viewers and fans, providing a 360-degree compelling proposition to revel under the ultimate experience of watching the TATA IPL 2024.

    With the latest data from BARC revealing staggering numbers, it’s evident that the audience response has been phenomenal. Disney Star has registered a cumulative reach of 44.8 crore viewers for the first 22 days (26 matches) of TATA IPL 2024, garnering 18,800 crore minutes of total watch time. This represents an eight per cent increase in cumulative reach compared to the last season, while match ratings (TVR) have grown by an impressive 15 per cent. It’s clear that the top-notch broadcast quality has resonated deeply with a wide variety of audiences, making Disney Star the ultimate destination for the IPL faithful.

    The broadcaster has delighted fans and redrawn the lines of sport broadcasting with a variety of tech features for TATA IPL 2024:

    1.  Sign language commentary: In a ground-breaking initiative, Star Sports has introduced sign language commentary for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired fans. With the objective of making the TATA IPL inclusive for all, differently abled fans can enjoy the thrill of the game with descriptive commentary and inclusive features.

     

     

     

     

    2.  AI tech enhancements: The future of sports broadcasting is now with Disney Star’s AI-driven enhancements for TATA IPL 2024. The first-of-its-kind translation feature allows international commentators to speak regional Indian languages in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience and enhancing engagement. A recent demonstration featuring international cricketing stars Steve Smith and Stuart Broad speaking regional Indian languages showcased the seamless nature of this technology, effectively eliminating language barriers for viewers across diverse regions.

    3.  Shor meter excitement measurement: Viewers watching the TATA IPL 2024 at home can feel the pulse of the crowd with the ‘Shor Meter’ excitement measurement feature. Fans can quantify the thrill of every high-octane match as the ‘Shor Meter’ measures audience engagement in the stadium through decibel levels in real-time.

    4.  Teleportation and mixed reality shows: Step into the future of sports broadcasting with Star Sports’ innovative Teleportation and Mixed Reality technology. The pre and post-shows ‘Cricket Live’ feature live talent from remote locations, seamlessly integrated into the studio environment using Hololens and Player 3D Replay.

    5.  4K feed with Atmos sound: With the state-of-the-art 4K feed featuring Atmos sound, fans tuning in to Star Sports can witness every moment in stunning detail, with vibrant colours, smooth pictures, and enhanced clarity. With zero buffering and lifelike audio, the 4K feed delivers an unparalleled viewing experience that brings the excitement of the IPL to life like never before:

    i  Sharp Clarity: 3840×2160 (4K) is four times the pixels as compared to 1920×1080 (HD). More number of pixels ensures phenomenal clarity in pictures.

    ii 50fps: Smooth pictures, life-like

    iii Enhanced Colours: Thanks to HDR10 (if you have an HDR compatible TV), the colours look vibrant

    iv Zero Buffering: Set top boxes ensure the feed that you are watching on TV stays constant, unlike streaming when the stream quality changes due to internet fluctuations

    v Enhanced Audio: Powered by Dolby Atmos, this is the most immersive audio experience that a viewer can get while watching an IPL game

    (Currently available on ‘Airtel XStream’ and ‘Tata Play Binge’ set top boxes.)

    6.  Star Cam: Features like the ‘Star Cam’ provide focused feeds of team captains, ensuring fans never miss pivotal moments on the field. From monitoring tactics and player interactions to joining in on the celebratory moments, the ‘Hero Cam’ provides an immersive viewing experience that brings fans right into the heart of the action.

    7.  Piero analysis and immersive visual experiences: Fans can experience the game like never before with Piero Analysis, an advanced technology that offers enhanced storytelling capabilities by delivering match clips remotely from the studio. Viewers can dive deep into the action with Player 3D Models and Hyperview technology, which will provide immersive visual experiences and predictive analyses throughout the tournament.

    8.  Dolby Vision production: Witness the magic of the IPL in stunning detail with the Dolby Vision production. Fans can experience every moment with incredible clarity and vivid imagery, as Star Sports brings the action to life like never before. With Dolby Vision, every match becomes an immersive spectacle that transports viewers to the heart of the game.

    9.  Interactive features with Glance and ESPNCricinfo: Now viewers and fans can engage with the game on a whole new level with interactive features developed in collaboration with Glance and ESPNCricinfo. Play & Watch allows fans to participate in real-time games of skill while watching matches, adding a new dimension to the viewing experience. The collaboration also provides viewers with Real-time Highlights, Key Moments, and Comprehensive Statistics, providing insights and analysis at their fingertips.

    10.  Multilingual coverage: The IPL can now be consumed in the viewers preferred language with Star Sports multilingual coverage. With 9 language feeds for the IPL and with a line-up of renowned experts and commentators, Star Sports ensures that every fan can enjoy the game in their native language, enhancing the viewing experience for all.

    As the TATA IPL 2024 unfolds, Star Sports continues to raise the bar for sports broadcasting, offering fans an unparalleled experience that transcends traditional boundaries. With a blend of futuristic technologies, inclusive initiatives, and immersive storytelling, Star Sports ensures that every fan, regardless of ability or background, can fully immerse themselves in the thrill of the game.

    Watch thrilling action from the TATA IPL 2024 LIVE on the Star Sports Network from 22 -26 March 2024, 7.30 pm onwards.

  • IPL brings growth in traffic and advertisers for ESPNcricinfo

    IPL brings growth in traffic and advertisers for ESPNcricinfo

    Mumbai: The second phase of IPL 14 is witnessing a strong surge in consumption on the ESPNcricinfo app with a 30 per cent jump in time spent and 25 per cent growth in unique users on the back of the India-England test series. With over 95 per cent active users, the platform has cricket fans checking out new features like pinning and sharing of live scores, dark mode, and runs forecaster. 

    To further engage the audience the platform had launched its latest product ‘Askcricinfo’ – an AI-powered tool for all cricket stats.  

    “ESPNcricinfo has once again proven its dominance as a leader in well-rounded cricket coverage and in nurturing a strong community for cricket fandom and multiple opportunities for advertising and content partnerships,” said ESPN head of sales for South Asia Akshaya Kolhe. “We have an excellent line-up of traditional and new age brands onboard such as Maruti Suzuki, Intel, HDFC Ergo General Insurance, TVS Tyres, ITC Bingo, Coinswitch Kuber, HDFC Life, ForexTime, GoMechanic, Swiggy, Playerzpot, Upstox, and FreshToHome. We are thankful to our partners for their continued trust in the platform which is a testimony to the strength of our multiple brand partnership opportunities.”

    A mix of live shows, chat rooms, stats-based daily coverage and insights, fun and comedy, and off-field stories in English and Hindi serves fans with the unique perspectives of the game from experts in an interactive format. Most popular among them is the pre, mid, and post-match show “ESPNcricinfo T20 Time:Out,” which has experts such as Carlos Brathwaite, Daniel Vettori, Gautam Gambhir, Dale Steyn, Ian Bishop, Aakash Chopra, and Deep Dasgupta providing a holistic analysis of every match.

    The daily live is being simulcast on the ESPNcricinfo YouTube and Facebook channels to enhance reach and make it available to fans anytime, anywhere, said the platform.

    “Indian customers love two things – cricket and value for their money! As the presenting sponsors on ESPNcricinfo T20 Timeout, we are thrilled to engage cricket fans across the country, throughout the day as they consume match-related content and stories,” stated Maruti Suzuki senior executive director of sales and marketing Shashank Srivastava. “We have the daily post-match segment – Kam Se Kaam Banega Player of the Day centred on the key facet of our current campaign – optimisation or efficiency. These content propositions are a great way to reach out to our customers as they seamlessly integrate our brand communication and help us drive brand love.”

    “We believe it is important for fans to be cautious and aware of what they are purchasing when it comes to a health insurance plan and our partnership will witness fan-favourites come together and educate viewers on the nuances of our Optima Secure Health Insurance,” commented HDFC Ergo General Insurance president of accident and health business Ravi Vishwanath. “IPL is a great communication platform for brands and ESPNCricinfo being the hub of all things cricket provides the opportunity to build awareness through intriguing post-match segments like “Sabse Bada Performer.”

    In addition to the flagship show ESPNcricinfo is also hosting a range of in-depth programmes such as “Newsroom” and debate-led shows like “Runorder” and “Mute Me.”

  • ESPNcricinfo unveils new features with refreshed look

    ESPNcricinfo unveils new features with refreshed look

    KOLKATA: As cricket emerges back in action, ESPNcricinfo unveiled its all-new robust digital cricket experience on mobile. The new app reinforces ESPNcricinfo's core value proposition of delivering wholesome cricket news and information, along with compelling match coverage and surround content that goes beyond just scores updates for fans.

    Featuring a sharp redesign suited to enhance user experience, the app is supported by an all-new intuitive content feed, richer interface, compelling visuals, and unparalleled storytelling, serving as an all-in-one digital access point for all things cricket. In addition to the latest and most comprehensive updates around the India-Australia test series, the app will be offering the widest range of coverage across the world including IPL, PSL, BPL, BBL, CPL, ICC Cricket World Cup, County Championship, Ranji Trophy, and Sheffield Shield, to name a few.

    A key innovation to the user experience features the introduction of a live score carousel, offering sharp updates on the best of cricketing action. A highlight here is that the carousel is synchronised to the global cricketing space offering fans of the sport a panoramic view into the latest happening across global cricket through one easy swipe interface.

    Next, identifying the rise in demand for instant match updates and in-depth narratives around cricket, ESPNcricinfo has introduced a whole new live cricket score card interface in addition to an enhanced story reading experience. This feature enables fans to catch critical near-time score updates along with expertly crafted long reads, along with in-depth perspective specially curated by the in-house editorial team.

    Lastly, as a high-point to the ongoing cricketing action, the new app will also host video match highlights from the India-Australia test series, enabling fans have a one stop access point to unique match analyses and video highlights to witness and relieve defining in-play moments including best wickets, close catches, and more.

    With significant performance improvements, other new features of the app include also include access to major sections of espncricinfo.com, along with easy access to:

    ·        Fast live scores and ball-by-ball commentary

    ·        Notification updates for live cricket matches

    ·        Easy to read cricket news

    ·        Cricket videos including highlights, analyses, interviews, and press conferences

    ·        Opinion and analysis from experts such as Gautam Gambhir, Tom Moody, Sanjay Manjrekar, Ajit Agarkar, Aakash Chopra, Deep Dasgupta and more

    “With technology being central to our lives, and the world becoming more interconnected than ever, we found it imperative to deliver a distinctive product that allows fans to experience the best of global cricketing action, all in one place. With the app, sports enthusiasts everywhere will now have access to a myriad of incredible cricketing content,” ESPN India and South Asia VP-head Ramesh Kumar said.

  • Whirlpool to sponsor ESPNcricinfo for IPL 2020

    Whirlpool to sponsor ESPNcricinfo for IPL 2020

    NEW DELHI: Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Whirlpool Corporation, world’s leading kitchen and laundry home appliance company, signs official sponsorship with ESPNcricInfo for IPL 2020. As part of the association, Whirlpool will bring alive the IPL fever through one-of-a-kind flagship shows, features, expert insights and interesting highlights for the cricket lovers.

    ‘Whirlpool Adaptable Player of the Day’: A show where the ESPN anchor and cricket experts will pick & discuss the player who showcases stellar performance and stands out for his match situation related adaptable skills during the game. This selection is in line with Whirlpool’s recently launched Intellifresh Pro, India's most advanced Bottom Mount Refrigerator powered by advanced Adaptive Intelligence Technology. The association will increase awareness and help in building relevance of the product through the show

    ‘T20 Time:Out’: A flagship show which will showcase the daily preview and review for the IPL matches. The show, on which Whirlpool is the Presenting Sponsor, brings a wholesome series of match dissection, data, insights, expert analysis, which will be a daily dose of energy and excitement for the mega event

    Read more news on IPL

    Commenting on the same, Whirlpool of India VP marketing KG Singh said, “IPL has established itself as a modern-day format where cricket lovers experience the adrenaline rush of the game. We are proud to partner with ESPN CricInfo to be a part of one of the deepest passion points for the nation and launch our IntelliFreshPro Bottom Mount Refrigerators – a format of the future just as IPL has proven to be. Just like adaptable players are required to ace the game, our advanced Bottom Mount Refrigerators uses its adaptive technology for winning consumer experience.”

  • ESPNcricinfo launches its latest campaign ‘SCORES SE LOT MORE’ targeted at the new age discerning cricket fans

    ESPNcricinfo launches its latest campaign ‘SCORES SE LOT MORE’ targeted at the new age discerning cricket fans

    With the announcement of IPL 2020 in UAE, cricket fans finally have a reason to rejoice. ESPNcricinfo, the go-to digital destination for all things cricket, joins the celebration with the launch of its latest campaign 'SCORES SE LOT MORE.' The new integrated campaign reinforces ESPNcricinfo's core value proposition of delivering wholesome cricket news and information and compelling match coverage and surround content; all beyond just scores for the fans. The campaign comprises a two-part film series and has been conceptualised by Dentsu India.

    With 'SCORES SE LOT MORE,' ESPNcricinfo aims to connect with the ardent fans of the game for whom cricket is more than just a sport, it is a way of life. For these true fans, cricket is in their DNA and part of their identity. It is much more than just the 22 yards or the grit of the players battling it out on the field; it's about getting a ring side view into the game. It can be as basic as the toss, or the pitch report, the team selection, wicket or the shot, turning point in a game, or an in-depth pre and post-analysis of the match. 

    Commenting on the campaign, Gaurav Thakur, Director of Marketing and Business Development at ESPNcricinfo, says, "At ESPNcricinfo we have always believed in empowering our fans with insight and reasoning. This campaign reinforces our commitment to providing an astute experience for the curious fans who love to immerse themselves in the game irrespective of where they are. These fans want to know more than just the score. They want to understand the 'what, why and how of the game.' For them, an explanation is as important as the information." 

    Gaurav adds, "I am glad that we partnered with Dentsu India. They understood what we were looking for and created quirky yet sharp films to convey ESPNcricinfo's core value proposition. I am sure the fans will be able to relate to these films."

    Talking about the campaign Indrajeet Mookherjee, President, Dentsu India says, "We are delighted to partner with ESPNcricinfo, arguably the last word when it comes to cricket. The communication task was to appeal to a younger audience and use the product strength to create a cool user persona. Young fans want to be knowledgeable but also want to be entertained. Our campaign attempts to make being knowledgeable cool in the garb of irreverence and humor and underline the brand message of separating the score seekers and the true cricket fans."

    The two-part film series uses wit and humor to strike a chord with the younger audience of 15-25-year-olds, the target audience for the campaign. The films bring alive two unique offerings of ESPNcricinfo – expert views and in-depth analysis through a situation using two cricket fans – an ESPNcricinfo fan who understands and seeks the finer details of every match, every ball and every run and a non-user. The ESPNcricinfo fan eventually bowls over the non-user with his knowledge and passion. 

    Krishna Mani, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu India believes, "There are a few times in one's career where you get to work on a product or a brand that you really love – ESPNcricinfo is just one such brand. I have been a big fan of their witty commentary and amazing articles since the platform's inception. The challenge of this project was not coming up with the idea but to stop oneself from writing more and more."

  • ESPNcricinfo launches short-film series as part of its 25th Anniversary celebration

    ESPNcricinfo launches short-film series as part of its 25th Anniversary celebration

    MUMBAI:  As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, ESPNcricinfo, the go-to digital destination for cricket, has created a series of five short films called ‘ESPNcricinfo films’ – exploring gripping tales from the world of cricket. The series covers a range of intriguing topics from the transformation of the game over the past decade including the onset of the T20 format, the fierce rivalry of India and Australia over the years, and the recent cheating scandal in the context of similar ball-tampering controversies over the years.

    The films will be hosted on ESPNcricinfo.com and the ESPNcricinfo app and will be released every Wednesday over a course of five weeks. The films will also be published natively on YouTube and Facebook.

    The five short films are based on stories created using ESPNcricinfo’s powerful storytelling capabilities built over 25 years. The topics deal with issues that continue to be widely debated and have been tailored to appeal to both entrenched fans and those who are less seasoned followers of the game. The stories feature insights from past and present cricket stars, including former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum and former Australia opening batsman Simon Katich, through to former Australia captain and renowned commentator Ian Chappell. The films take viewers to the grounds of India where cricket meets Bollywood, through to the recent cheating controversy in South Africa, and one of the most anticipated face-offs currently taking place in Australia as they host India.

    ESPN general manager Southeast Asia Lance Peatey said, “At ESPN we pride ourselves on setting the benchmark for the best sports storytelling in the world, so it seemed a very natural fit to create five ‘ESPNcricinfo films’ to mark the 25th anniversary of ESPNcricinfo. The topics are lively, thought-provoking and relevant to all fans, and launching them across a Test series between Australia and India is very fitting.”         

    http://www.espncricinfo.com/video/clip?id=25337920                                            

    ESPNcricinfo and ESPN South Asia editor-in-chief Sambit Bal said, ‘ESPNcricinfo continues to harness the power of storytelling and this time, we decided to expand our cricket-loving unit to filmmakers who are looking at the game from an unconventional lens. We are delighted to introduce this five-short films series to cricket fans across the world through our platforms. Going beyond regular cricket updates and analysis, ESPNcricinfo films will engage viewers with compelling, often unknown or previously unseen, narratives that capture the power, emotion and profoundness of cricket.”

    The series debuted with The Bollywood Game: Is the Indian T20 League celebrity first and then cricket? and tells the story of cricket’s transition into the T20 format which has changed the face of the sport over the last decade, with the booming Indian T20 League leading the way. Delving deeper into the steady rise of Indian T20 League, it tries to answer the question – while cricket was the catalyst for the tournament, is it still the main reason for it to exist?

    The series will continue with Cheats: Does the gentleman’s game have a problem? to be released on 28th November which tells the gripping story of how Australian cricket was rocked earlier this year, when captain Steven Smith admitted to a premeditated plan to tamper with the ball at Newlands. It dives into the long history of Australian sledging and competitiveness that played a part in causing the meltdown, and what impact has it had on the game and how far back does cheating, or attempting to cheat, go in the sport?

    The 3rd film in the series is Australia v India: Is this the fiercest relationship in cricket? To be released on 5th December, as one of the biggest rivalries in world cricket – Australia v India – comes to play again in one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of the year. Every time the two teams have met for a contest, the world has seen stunning performances on the field and also its fair share of controversies. The film attempts to decipher the rivalry – do the two teams and its supporters really not get along or is it stemming only from passion for the sport and the burning desire for victory?

    Following this is an interesting take on managing risks and players’ safety, captured in the fourth film, Gearing Up: Keeping cricket safe, will be released on 12 December. The film looks back at the past when batsmen had little or no protection against some of the game’s fastest bowlers and at the present when the game looks to be ever more accessible and how it manages potential risks?

    The last in the series is called T20 Rockstars: How does the game adapt to the growth of T20? being released on 19th December, explores how T20 is changing the game, and if it is for the better or worse. Players are starting to look at T20 leagues as fortune-making opportunities, shunning the other formats, in turn presenting a challenge for the game at large. However, the format is anticipated to only get bigger with a growing audience for the sport. Will cricket just continue to adapt?

  • ESPNcricinfo to promote Tourism Australia during India series down under

    ESPNcricinfo to promote Tourism Australia during India series down under

    MUMBAI: Digital evolution has only aided in the popularity of cricket in the country. The sport has become more accessible with scores, replays and analysis available at a tap.

    To leverage this opportunity during the upcoming tour of the Indian cricket team to Australia, Tourism Australia and ESPNcricinfo have collaborated on a media content partnership, UnDiscover Australia, to showcase glimpses of the country beyond the on-field action at its iconic cricket stadiums.

    “We are seeing video content as part of the coverage of the series. We start with some of the content before the series as previews and when the series progresses to the various towns then we showcase all the stuff that is shot in Australia on ESPNcricinfo. We are going to showcase some content on each match day,” ESPN head TV initiatives Jasdeep Pannu said.

    On the advertiser’s response, ESPN sales head Akshaya Kolhe said, “Advertisers are very excited whenever we have a high voltage like India versus Australia which is as big as India playing Pakistan. We have got some seven to eight advertisers signed up including Tourism Australia and Vivo. As we move closer to the series we will have 20-25 advertisers on board.”

    The content series aligns with Tourism Australia’s recently launched campaign that seeks to showcase some of Australia’s unexpected tourism experiences to potential travellers by challenging existing perceptions and stereotypes about the destination. ESPNcricinfo prides itself in creating credible quality content for cricket fans and is known to be a preferred app of a premium, empowered and increasingly knowledgeable audience, making it the perfect partner to fuel the discovery of exciting content providing a fresh perspective on Australian holiday experiences.

    On the partnership with Sony, Pannu said, “The synergy with an international brand like Sony really works from an image perspective, so the content that you put on the channel, reflects the values of ESPN in terms of covering sports.”

    According to Kolhe, the advertising spends has grown by 30 per cent compared to last year even after taking into account demonetisation followed by GST for quarter-on-quarter comparison.

    Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Australia MD John O’Sullivan said, “Tourism Australia is keen to gain a greater share of the Indian outbound travel segment and attract more high value travellers to Australia by best leveraging the growing influence of the digital medium, especially through effective content partnerships that best showcase the diverse range of Australian experiences. Our renewed marketing focus is on fewer but bigger, bolder and more impactful campaigns and the partnership with ESPNcricinfo is in sync with this strategy.” 

    The marketing solution team at ESPN India office worked in tandem with Tourism Australia board to create amazing sports stories. The content includes a host of former Australian cricketers talking cricket, narrating unheard stories, discussing India & Australia cricket history amidst the beautiful and charming locales of Australia.

    On the regulatory front, ESPN does not see the government rule relating to mandatory sharing of feeds of sports of national importance with the pubcaster and other distribution platforms panning out. Pannu believes that this model doesn’t exist anywhere in the major market. Television and now digital rights are now funding the sports to a large degree.

    Bringing the content series to life is ESPNcricinfo presenter and popular actor, Shibani Dandekar, who visited the five Australian states that are hosting matches including Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland to explore undiscovered gems of holiday experiences. In addition to her travel exploits, the series also features interactions with Australian cricketing talents – Shaun Tait, Brad Hogg, Brad Hodge, Ed Cowan and Andy Bichel who in addition to talking all things cricket, showcase their hometowns and Australia as a holiday destination to their Indian fans and followers.

    This cricket travelogue will be showcased across ESPNcricinfo platforms during India’s cricket tour to Australia from 21 November 2018 to 18 January 2019. The content will have shelf life and relevance beyond the series. This video series will be an integral part of ESPNcricinfo’s popular pre and post show called match-day. Apart from this, a detailed long-form content created around each of the Australian cities will also be showcased natively across the ESPN network. To increase its reach further, a strong off-platform strategy has been planned around ESPNcricinfo’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), curated videos on YouTube channel and ESPNcricinfo’s other content syndication partners. The content series is expected to reach over 20 million fans across ESPNcricinfo and its off-platform extensions.

    Arrivals from India to Australia grew by 19.6 per cent for the year ended August 2018 with an influx of 3,42,000 visitors for the year, making India the eight largest inbound market for Australia.

  • ESPNcricinfo launches new, reimagined app

    ESPNcricinfo launches new, reimagined app

    MUMBAI:  ESPNcricinfo’s news website recently launched a new and reimagined app on its 25th anniversary celebration this year. The new app reinforces the brand’s position as an innovator, introducing new features and delivers a unique blend of personalisation and performance along with the best coverage of the sport in India and globally.  

    The reimagined ESPNcricinfo phone app has more personal and dynamic and would be unique experience to each user based on their particular interests, while also enabling meaningful curation and presentation from ESPN’s storytellers, journalists and content creators. Cricket fans get:

    • Super-fast, easy-to-access scores and the world’s most respected news, features and opinion coverage of cricket, presented in an integrated main content feed
    • A powerful, easy-to-use interface that enhances user-driven personalisation
    • Rich presentation of ESPNcricinfo’s industry-leading video content, including highlights, clips, original shows, commentary and analysis, all delivered right on the home screen.

    ESPN India and South Asia head vice president Ramesh Kumar said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the re-imagined app, giving each and every fan a more personal experience with our industry leading scores, news and video.”

    “We have always kept fans at the core of all we do. The new app marks the latest evolution in our storied history as one of the internet’s digital sports pioneers and is another way that ESPNcricinfo is raising the game for cricket fans in creating the best experience across every device and platform. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, ESPNcricinfo is more committed than ever to being every fans digital connection to the sport loved by nearly two billion people worldwide,” he added.

    Fans can also watch live match action on ESPN.in.

    From June 2017 to May 2018, ESPNcricinfo has seen a 50 per cent year-on-year increase in total minutes spent and a 300 per cent increase in video consumption. It is one of the most visited digital sports destinations in India with over one billion visits annually.

    ESPNcricinfo’s programming around the series comprises pre and post-match shows, video highlights, though-provoking analysis with unmatched statistical data, specially designed to bring the game closer to fans. To help deliver its coverage, ESPNcricinfo has roped in top cricket talent as experts, including Mark Butcher, Steve Harmison, James Taylor, Ravi Bopara and Nick Compton, who mesh seamlessly with their Indian counterparts Murali Kartik Ajit Agarkar, Aakash Chopra and Murali Kartik.

  • ESPNcricinfo’s 80% consumption from mobile devices

    ESPNcricinfo’s 80% consumption from mobile devices

    MUMBAI: For 25 years, Indian viewers have grown fond of the name ESPN. ESPNcricinfo completed its silver jubilee in India and launched its annual ritual of creating a new dish – this time the Googly Gujiya.

    India’s favourite festive snack, gujiya, has been re-imagined by Zorawar Kalra’s Massive Restaurants as a celebration of cricket fandom and the sense of auspiciousness and euphoria that grips hundreds of millions of Indians each season. The new imagining of the Indian favourite also reflects a shared philosophy of ESPN India and Zorawar Kalra – accentuating the local while embracing the global.

    ESPN VP and head India and South Asia Ramesh Kumar said, “In the last two to three years we have seen a huge audience coming online and consuming content on ESPNcricinfo. Almost 80 per cent of the consumption happens on mobile platform. Indian cricket and live cricket is the primary driver of ESPNcricinfo.”

    Commenting on the occasion, EMEA, VP and general manager South Asia & Australia/New Zealand Charles Classen said, “At ESPN, we celebrate sport. We understand that sports, and the passions of fans, are acutely local and powerfully global. The fervour for cricket in India is unique to the nation. Yet, there are also enormously passionate followers of global sport, from Manchester United to Roger Federer and LeBron James. To truly serve fans, you must be both local and global. That’s what differentiates ESPN and helps us connect with the sport fans at all levels. Googly Gujiya reflects that same balance of local and global.”

    When asked about the FIFA WC 2018 on ESPN, Kumar said, “ESPN has a huge presence in Russia and with FIFA World Cup 2018 Russia is just around the corner, we are planning a huge coverage. We at ESPNcricinfo after 25 years are in the continuous process of evolution in terms of pushing the envelope and how we present our content to the audience.”

    Kumar also pointed that, in terms of ad revenue, ESPNcricinfo grew by 35 per cent in 2017.

    “Our global expertise, technology, innovation-led approach and understanding of sports fans globally helps us create the best possible experience for fans locally, on whatever device or screen they use. As we celebrate the cricket season and the silver anniversary of ESPNcricinfo, we wanted to find a creative way for that to come alive off screen as well. We are excited about introducing ‘Googly Gujiya’, a unique Indian festive snack with a contemporary twist. We are proud to partner with Massive Restaurants, known for their unique Indian dishes with international accents and for their innovative stints in the food and hospitality industry,” Kumar added.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Massive Restaurants founder and managing director Zorawar Kalra said, “Massive Restaurants is pleased to collaborate with ESPN for this initiative. We wanted to create a dish that is Indian at heart but has a global appeal, something that represents Indian tradition but with a contemporary twist. Gujiya is an Indian snack that is notable across all cultures and made during festivals and celebratory occasions. We have reinvented the traditional gujiya by making it savoury and used ingredients that are loved internationally. We are very excited to watch the entire sports fraternity, fans and food fanatics enjoy our ‘Googly Gujiyas’ while cheering for their favourite team, celebrating victories and having a good time in general.”

    The evolution of gujiya also reflects how the sport of cricket has evolved in 25 years since ESPNcricinfo first established its leadership in covering the sport. The advent of the IPL, Australia’s Big Bash, England’s Vitality T20 Blast and other domestic competitions, mixed with the growth of the international calendar, is a testimony to the evolving landscape. Players are now crisscrossing the world to play for teams at home and abroad. These changing dynamics of cricket seeded the idea of starting a new tradition in a country that is so passionate about the game.

    ESPNcricinfo web and app curates the most relevant content for fans across all geographies based on their unique needs and interests.

    Apart from the 10 international editions catering to all major cricket playing countries, users can also use the personalise feature to receive latest news and scores of their favourite team right at the top. This ensures that all fans irrespective of their location receive the most appealing content on the site and on the app.