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Tag: ESPNcricinfo

  • ESPN bets big on apps for India

    ESPN bets big on apps for India

    MUMBAI: With increasing preference for sports on digital platforms, ESPN is working towards tapping this demand with more content.

    The broadcaster, which has been present here for over quarter of a century, owns two digital properties — ESPNcricinfo, a cricket content platform, and a co-branded multi-sport content offering ESPN.in, with its joint venture partner Sony Pictures Networks India that was launched 15 months earlier.

    For ESPN, digital video consumption has been growing at 150 per cent, while mobile video demand has been growing even more dramatically, at a rate as high as 350 per cent.

    “We believe that India is a mobile-first market and data confirms that. Almost 78 per cent of all our traffic is either on the mobile web or the app. We also believe that, over time, people are shifting from mobile web towards apps,” ESPN International executive vice-president and managing director Russell Wolff has said.

    He said the company has been producing more videos for mobile and digital platforms, given the growing interest in digital content.

  • ABP continues to capture most video views on Facebook in Aug ’17: Vidooly

    ABP continues to capture most video views on Facebook in Aug ’17: Vidooly

    MUMBAI: For the second month on the trot, it has stayed at the top. Repeating its performance of July 2017, the Hindi news TV channel ABP News, has netted the most viewed videos, according to Vidooly’s most popular ‘Facebook Video Publishers’ from India report for August 2017.

    ABP News was the numero uno on the list with around 290 million views, even as sister channels — ABP Live and ABP Majha — captured the fifth and sixth slots with 132 million and 120 million views, respectively.

    Aaj Tak came a close second with around 227 million total views for its videos. Dainik Bhaskar was at the third position with 202 million views, and Vijay Television at No 4 with 140 million views.

    Star Plus occupied the 22nd spot with 50 million views while Zee News occupied the 26th position with 48 million views. IndiaTV News was at the 29th position with 42 million views.

    Dainik Jagran stood at number 21 with a total viewership of 51 million leaving behind News18 Hindi at the 33rd spot. The business channel Quint was placed at the position of 59, Times Now remained at the position of 100, garnering only 12 million views on its page in August.

    Video marketing and analytics software Vidooly has launched a report that analyses top Facebook pages from India that focus on online videos. The ranking is based on the number of views clocked only for the month of August 2017 and does not consider pages of political parties/personalities, pages that freeboot videos or only upload video memes, pages of movie stars, singers or brands like Amazon, Cadbury, etc.

    The report has been broadly categorised into eight major genres — food, lifestyle, new age entertainment, traditional entertainment, new age news, traditional news, independent creators, and sports creators. And, it rates pages according to popularity (number of likes) and video viewership.

    In the sports category, SportsKeeda Wrestling generated more viewership than ESPNCricinfo and Cricbuzz while Lallantop continued to remain the most viewed Facebook page in the category of new-age news.

    National Geographic India became the top channel in traditional entertainment with 61 million Facebook page likes beating Zoom, MTV India and Colours channel.

    In the traditional news space, Hindi news channel Aaj Tak became the most liked page on Facebook followed by ABP News and Dainik Jagran in the second and third places, respectively.

    Vidooly will soon launch its report for YouTube Creators for the month of September. It will be interesting to see that report to find how well are Youtubers leveraging the digital platform.

  • Hyundai Cricjockey S2 begins hunt for most passionate fan

    Hyundai Cricjockey S2 begins hunt for most passionate fan

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India, in partnership with ESPNcricinfo, has taken the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series a notch higher by launching a talent hunt to discover India’s most passionate cricket fan. Through this, cricket fans can showcase their expertise in cricket:

    The Hyundai Cricjockey 2 powered by ESPNcricinfo, will be a multi-phased contest open for fans to submit their entries on the CricJockey website – www.hyundaicricjockey.com by submitting an analysis/commentary on a match scenario identified by the ESPNcricinfo editorial. The best entries from the contestants stand to win goodies every day and will be featured on the CricJockey website.

    Apart from the online edition, the contest will also see an on-ground element with a 4 city ground event at Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune where cricket fanatics will submit their entries along with the extensive digital promotion.

    “Cricket is a game that families and friends experience together, much like the cars Hyundai makes. Hyundai is proud to be the ‘Official Partner’ of BCCI for the next four years across the three formats- Test, One day and T20. We are proud to announce the CricJockey Season 2, giving all ardent cricket fans a chance to exhibit their commentary skills,” said Hyundai Motor India general manager and group head marketing Puneet Anand.

    The eminent jury includes former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar, ESPNcricinfo editor in chief Sambit Bal, senior editor Gaurav Kalra and other prominent members from ESPNcricinfo editorial team. They will identify the top eight who will proceed to the semi-finals. These eight contestants will battle it out to reach the finale where one will win the coveted title at the ESPNcricinfo studios. The winner will be declared on 29 October.

    ESPN Digital Media India head of sales Akshaya Kolhe added, “We know that cricket fans in India are among the most passionate and vocal in the world. CricJockey is a platform that gives a chance to cricket fans to transition beyond an ultimate fan and become a potential professional talent. With season 2 our association with Hyundai Motor India has gone further ahead, bringing one of the most existing and entertaining contest to our Fans. This only further reinforces our commitment to our fans by providing the best of “Game around the Game” content.”

    The top three finalists will be tested on their cricket analysis skill by participating on the special post-match review segment for the ODI played between India and New Zealand on the match day. They will be acquainted with the entire cricket reporting process and will go through the grinds of covering cricket matches alongside the ESPNcricinfo editorial team.

    The first season of Hyundai Cricjockey gave the cricket fans of the country a platform to showcase their expertise in the game and their ability to comprehend the nuances of the sport in front of a jury made up of the ESPNcricinfo editorial. The 2013 edition saw more than 8000 entries from across India where the best of the talent fought it out to claim the title.

  • Hyundai Cricjockey S2 begins hunt for most passionate fan

    Hyundai Cricjockey S2 begins hunt for most passionate fan

    MUMBAI: Hyundai Motor India, in partnership with ESPNcricinfo, has taken the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series a notch higher by launching a talent hunt to discover India’s most passionate cricket fan. Through this, cricket fans can showcase their expertise in cricket:

    The Hyundai Cricjockey 2 powered by ESPNcricinfo, will be a multi-phased contest open for fans to submit their entries on the CricJockey website – www.hyundaicricjockey.com by submitting an analysis/commentary on a match scenario identified by the ESPNcricinfo editorial. The best entries from the contestants stand to win goodies every day and will be featured on the CricJockey website.

    Apart from the online edition, the contest will also see an on-ground element with a 4 city ground event at Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai and Pune where cricket fanatics will submit their entries along with the extensive digital promotion.

    “Cricket is a game that families and friends experience together, much like the cars Hyundai makes. Hyundai is proud to be the ‘Official Partner’ of BCCI for the next four years across the three formats- Test, One day and T20. We are proud to announce the CricJockey Season 2, giving all ardent cricket fans a chance to exhibit their commentary skills,” said Hyundai Motor India general manager and group head marketing Puneet Anand.

    The eminent jury includes former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar, ESPNcricinfo editor in chief Sambit Bal, senior editor Gaurav Kalra and other prominent members from ESPNcricinfo editorial team. They will identify the top eight who will proceed to the semi-finals. These eight contestants will battle it out to reach the finale where one will win the coveted title at the ESPNcricinfo studios. The winner will be declared on 29 October.

    ESPN Digital Media India head of sales Akshaya Kolhe added, “We know that cricket fans in India are among the most passionate and vocal in the world. CricJockey is a platform that gives a chance to cricket fans to transition beyond an ultimate fan and become a potential professional talent. With season 2 our association with Hyundai Motor India has gone further ahead, bringing one of the most existing and entertaining contest to our Fans. This only further reinforces our commitment to our fans by providing the best of “Game around the Game” content.”

    The top three finalists will be tested on their cricket analysis skill by participating on the special post-match review segment for the ODI played between India and New Zealand on the match day. They will be acquainted with the entire cricket reporting process and will go through the grinds of covering cricket matches alongside the ESPNcricinfo editorial team.

    The first season of Hyundai Cricjockey gave the cricket fans of the country a platform to showcase their expertise in the game and their ability to comprehend the nuances of the sport in front of a jury made up of the ESPNcricinfo editorial. The 2013 edition saw more than 8000 entries from across India where the best of the talent fought it out to claim the title.

  • ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    NEW DELHI:  ESPNcricinfo is adding on to the cricket fever this World T20 with four exceptional flagship digital video series to bring the game closer to Indian fans. Providing comprehensive coverage of the global sporting event, ESPNcricinfo has introduced ‘Match Day’, ‘On the Road’, ‘Polite Enquiries’, and ‘Two Men Out’. The video series will set rolling on the website from 15 March and continue all through the World T20.
    Aired on ESPNcricinfo, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPNHD and the ESPNcricinfo mobile application, ‘Match Day’ will feature some of the most respected voices in cricket such as Ian Chappell and Mahela Jayawardene presenting match analysis with a unique perspective on the action. The presenters scheduled to be regulars in this series are legends and are popular for calling the game as they see it. The programme will be backed by insights into the successes, failures and key moments of the tournament.

    Speaking about ESPNcricinfo’s continuing focus to develop and deliver novel content for enhanced fan experiences across digital and television, ESPNcricinfo India and South Asia editor-in-chief Sambit Bal said, “ESPNcricinfo ‘Match Day’ brings to television all the values of the world’s premier digital cricket destination: credible voices, strong opinions, sharp insights, savvy with numbers, and the strengths of a global network. Ian Chappell, Ajit Agarkar and Sanjay Manjrekar are familiar names on ESPNcricinfo, and we are hugely excited about the television debut of Mahela Jayawardene, a World T20-winning player and a legend of the game. If we are to make only one promise, it will be this: our analysts will be calling it as they see it.”

    ESPN India and South Asia vice president Ramesh Kumar said, “In our endeavor to serve our cricket fans anytime, anywhere, ESPNcricinfo Match Day program during World T20 brings the best of ESPNcricinfo insights and analysis for every match on ESPNcricinfo digital media platforms globally. In India fans can also experience the program on Sony ESPN. The program is a perfect example of the multi-platform way that we are growing ESPNcricinfo, and highlights the value that is being unlocked for fans by our recent Sony ESPN agreement.”

    Following ‘Match Day’ fans can discover the sights and sounds of India with Melinda Farell with ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ as she travels across the country on a cricketing pilgrimage. 

    A travel and features video series, ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ provides fans a window to the World T20 tournament through multi-media content, social media integration and user generated content. The ESPNcricinfo On The Road microsite (link) will deliver of a mix of daily and weekly content that will be amplified on social media platforms including Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, Instagram and YouTube. Not just that, the series will include a call to action for user- generated content through #ontheroad and #fandugout.

    ‘Polite enquiries’ is an interactive platform for fans, with cricket writer Jarrod Kimber and an ESPNcricinfo staff answer fan questions on Twitter. Through five episodes of light-hearted conversation, fans can send in any subject or question about cricket they may want answered.
    ‘Two men out’ will offer a quirky, yet incisive, take on recent events in the game by Kimber and popular British comedian Andy Zaltzman. The five-episode series will add a dash of humor to the TSexperience, thus augmenting fan engagement.

  • ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    NEW DELHI:  ESPNcricinfo is adding on to the cricket fever this World T20 with four exceptional flagship digital video series to bring the game closer to Indian fans. Providing comprehensive coverage of the global sporting event, ESPNcricinfo has introduced ‘Match Day’, ‘On the Road’, ‘Polite Enquiries’, and ‘Two Men Out’. The video series will set rolling on the website from 15 March and continue all through the World T20.
    Aired on ESPNcricinfo, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPNHD and the ESPNcricinfo mobile application, ‘Match Day’ will feature some of the most respected voices in cricket such as Ian Chappell and Mahela Jayawardene presenting match analysis with a unique perspective on the action. The presenters scheduled to be regulars in this series are legends and are popular for calling the game as they see it. The programme will be backed by insights into the successes, failures and key moments of the tournament.

    Speaking about ESPNcricinfo’s continuing focus to develop and deliver novel content for enhanced fan experiences across digital and television, ESPNcricinfo India and South Asia editor-in-chief Sambit Bal said, “ESPNcricinfo ‘Match Day’ brings to television all the values of the world’s premier digital cricket destination: credible voices, strong opinions, sharp insights, savvy with numbers, and the strengths of a global network. Ian Chappell, Ajit Agarkar and Sanjay Manjrekar are familiar names on ESPNcricinfo, and we are hugely excited about the television debut of Mahela Jayawardene, a World T20-winning player and a legend of the game. If we are to make only one promise, it will be this: our analysts will be calling it as they see it.”

    ESPN India and South Asia vice president Ramesh Kumar said, “In our endeavor to serve our cricket fans anytime, anywhere, ESPNcricinfo Match Day program during World T20 brings the best of ESPNcricinfo insights and analysis for every match on ESPNcricinfo digital media platforms globally. In India fans can also experience the program on Sony ESPN. The program is a perfect example of the multi-platform way that we are growing ESPNcricinfo, and highlights the value that is being unlocked for fans by our recent Sony ESPN agreement.”

    Following ‘Match Day’ fans can discover the sights and sounds of India with Melinda Farell with ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ as she travels across the country on a cricketing pilgrimage. 

    A travel and features video series, ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ provides fans a window to the World T20 tournament through multi-media content, social media integration and user generated content. The ESPNcricinfo On The Road microsite (link) will deliver of a mix of daily and weekly content that will be amplified on social media platforms including Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, Instagram and YouTube. Not just that, the series will include a call to action for user- generated content through #ontheroad and #fandugout.

    ‘Polite enquiries’ is an interactive platform for fans, with cricket writer Jarrod Kimber and an ESPNcricinfo staff answer fan questions on Twitter. Through five episodes of light-hearted conversation, fans can send in any subject or question about cricket they may want answered.
    ‘Two men out’ will offer a quirky, yet incisive, take on recent events in the game by Kimber and popular British comedian Andy Zaltzman. The five-episode series will add a dash of humor to the TSexperience, thus augmenting fan engagement.

  • Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD to launch on 17 Jan; two more channels in the pipeline

    Sony ESPN & Sony ESPN HD to launch on 17 Jan; two more channels in the pipeline

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is all set to launch its two sports channels namely Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in collaboration with ESPN on 17 January. The Sony ESPN channel will replace Sony Kix and hence will be available on all the platforms that the latter was. Sony ESPN HD will launch by marking its presence on all direct to home (DTH) platforms and gradually will roll out on cable TV too.

     

    With this, SPN has extended its sports cluster to four channels namely Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Six and Sony Six HD.

     

    What’s more, Sony and ESPN will also launch more co-branded channels in the near future. “At least two more channels are there in the pipeline and if the content demands more, we might launch more. But at this stage, we have two channels launching on 17 January and two more in the near future,” reveals ESPN India and South Asia vice president and head Ramesh Kumar.

     

    The Nature of the Association

     

    ESPN had a long time association with one of Sony’s rival broadcaster Star India and the duo operated in the Indian subcontinent till they separated in 2012. The three-years non-compete ended in 2015 and ESPN’s began discussion of a second innings in India. ESPN was clear with its strategy that it wants a long term association with an existing sportscaster and that’s where Sony came in the picture. 

     

    Both Sony and ESPN refused to divulge the commercials or the nature of association between them. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, ESPN Asia Pacific vice president Michael T Morrison said, “We wanted to have a partner in India and Sony turned out to be the best for us and hence we associated with them. We were evaluating various possibilities since the last one and half years and are very happy to be with Sony.”

     

    Reiterating Morrison’s point of view, SPN India CEO NP Singh adds, “ESPN is the leader when it comes to sports broadcasting globally. They have their expertise, which will use to add value to our existing content. We would like to keep the commercials confidential, but yes what we both were looking for, was in alignment and hence we decided to get together. It took close to six months to close the deal.”

     

    Singh further asserts, “As a part of the deal, we will have 1000 hours of original content from ESPN.”

     

    While ESPN did not have an India presence on television, it continued the operation of ESPNCricinfo, which has grown by leaps and bounds in last three years. The portal has an internal team, which creates original content. However, ESPNCricinfo is not a part of the collaboration between the two entities. “The ESPNCricinfo expertise can be used if needed but it will not be a part of the collaboration. There are matrices, which we are working on and we will see how the three can complement each other,” informs Kumar.

     

    Why the Association

     

    “India is too big a sports market to not have a presence. Moreover, our motto is ‘To Serve Sports Fans Anytime Anywhere.’ We have never left India. For us, we were always there and now we feel we need to have a bigger presence and that’s why the association,” says Morrison. Recalling the sportscaster’s association with Star India, Morrison adds, “We had a wonderful time with Star where we worked together not only in India but also in the subcontinent, but now we feel we will have a better time ahead with Sony.”

     

    Sony, in the recent past has made a few big non-cricket acquisitions, but is yet to unfold special pre or post original programming. The feed of a SerieA or an El-Classico match begins with the whistle as there is no studio content available with them. “Now with ESPN coming in, we will have access to their studio shows and we will use the shows, which complement our existing portfolio. Using their expertise we will create new programming too. This Australian Open we will have access to their global studio feed, and hence analysis and opinions will be there for fans. With this association, we will be enhancing the experience,” adds SPN sports cluster EVP and business head Prasana Krishnan. 

     

    Many said that once the Indian Premier League (IPL) goes under the hammer for telecast rights renewal, the price is going to at least double to that of the previous deal. Rumours were rife that Sony and ESPN came together to jointly bid for the renewal and strengthen their possibility. Thwarting any such rumours as well as refraining to give them any credibility, Singh says, “Our association with ESPN is not to have an upper-hand in the renewal bidding procedure.” 

     

    What’s next

     

    In next few months, Sony ESPN will launch a new multi-sport mobile app. “The revenue model of the app is yet to be decided, but whatever we do, we believe in monetising it to the maximum. We will evaluate together the best possible way forward and come to a consensus on revenue model,” says Morrison.

     

    SPN already has a digital presence in Sony Liv, which live streams the network’s existing sports portfolio. So what happens to Liv when the co-branded app launches? “The content of that platform will be available in Sony Liv too. We have done well with Love Bytes and will continue our digital innovations,” informs Singh.

     

    Apart from the two additional channels in the pipeline, which will be launched in the near future, there could be many leagues coming in too. “Pro Wrestling League was an experiment that we did and now I am in a position to say that we are glad that we did it. The numbers in the Hindi Speaking Market were great and I see it growing further with time. So we are exploring and if we see an opportunity we will aggressively forge ahead with more leagues,” says Krishnan.

     

    Marketing Plan and Channel Positioning 

     

    The 360 degree launch campaign will be clubbed with the campaign of the Australian Open, which will make its debut on the new channel. “We have 17 channels of our own through which we will promote and announce the launch of the two co-branded channels. Also we will have our digital and print promotional activities. We are starting with the Australian Open and then we will then go to Euro 2016 and run campaigns around the sport,” informs Krishnan.

     

    Sony ESPN will have a global sports portfolio with football, rugby, basketball, tennis, whereas Sony Six will have the fight sports and other sports that Kix used to telecast. “We will continue to evaluate various permutations and combinations as we go forward and enhance our sports portfolio,” concludes Krishnan.

  • MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MUMBAI: Disney’s sports broadcaster ESPN, which exited the Indian market in 2012, is yet again eyeing the lucrative market here albeit with a different joint venture partner. 

     

    After dissolving its 50:50 joint venture with Star India in 2012, ESPN has now joined hands with Multi Screen Media (MSM). The two companies have entered into a long-term agreement in India and the Indian subcontinent.

     

    Through the collaboration, MSM and ESPN will bring new offerings including new co-branded sports channels and as well as a multi-sport website and app. The companies will also be exploring avenues on developing original sports programs.

     

    As a part of this deal, MSM’s sports channel Sony Kix will be rebranded as Sony ESPN. The two companies will also launch other new channels in the coming months. Along with Sony Six, all the channels will deliver a powerful sports lineup to sports fans.

     

    In collaboration with MSM, ESPN will launch a co-branded localized multisport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more.

     

    MSM’s OTT platform Sony Liv will also benefit from the collaboration, increasing its current sports offerings significantly. 

     

    ESPNcricinfo, the digital cricket destination in India and globally, will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage and will complement and cross-promote the new digital properties and sports channels.

     

    Among the new co-branded multisport website, sonyliv.com and espncricinfo.com, sports fan will receive sports content from across categories, geographies and time zones.

     

    There will be a robust social media presence for the new co-branded media platforms and, an online programming guide for television.

     

    Components of the collaboration require regulatory approvals, for which the process is currently underway.

     

    Multi Screen Media CEO NP Singh said, “Our partnership with ESPN is just what the sports aficionado has been waiting for. Stylized, insightful sports content presented by the best sportscasters in the business. For consumers in India and the subcontinent, sports television viewing will change dramatically since they will soon have access not only to more content but also the widest array of sports lineup, ever available.”

     

    He further added, “MSM’s association with ESPN is holistic and embraces both television and digital formats. Not only are we about to set the frontiers in sports content and distribution but we will most likely set the trends as well. Going further, both companies will also explore collaboration on the development of other original sports programs.”

     

    ESPN International executive vice president and managing director Russell Wolff said, “ESPN’s focus around the world is simple: to serve sports fans. This exciting, long-term collaboration between ESPN and MSM will serve Indian sports fans with exceptional products, content and coverage through the combined strengths and expertise of our two companies, which each have a strong heritage of leadership and innovation in India. We are very excited to be working with Sony, one of the leading television channels in India, on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

     

    MSM’s current sports rights portfolio in India includes the UEFA Euro 2016, top European football leagues (including La Liga, The FA Cup and Serie A), the NBA, the NFL, the IRB Rugby World Cup, UFC, TNA Wrestling and NASCAR amongst others.

     

    ESPN will add to that by delivering more than 1000 hours of programming per year from its portfolio of sports rights, original programming and studio programs. Live sports content in the deal includes major US college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major US college basketball (including the March Madness NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries amongst others.

     

    In its previous 16 year long stint in India via the joint venture with Star India, ESPN Software India operated ESPN Star Sports’ India ops. The channels under it included ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket. Over the last few years post the exit of ESPN, Star India’s sports game has been upped by several notches with the launch of multiple sports channels under the Star Sports brand name as well as lucrative leagues for sports  such as Kabbadi, football et al.

     

    With MSM and ESPN’s ambitous plans to launch multiple sports channels as well as original sports properties, the sports broadcasting scenario is likely to receive a major impetus. Moreover, with competition heating up in the space, when the rights for the marquee tournament – Indian Premier League (IPL) come up for bidding again in 2019 the acquisition price is likely to sky rocket.

  • ESPNCricinfo & Twitter tie up to take #CricIQ social for #SLvInd

    ESPNCricinfo & Twitter tie up to take #CricIQ social for #SLvInd

    MUMBAI:   ESPNCricinfo and Twitter have walked out to the middle together to take #CricIQ social for the series deciding third test between Sri Lanka and India.

     

    Cricket fans around the world can now play CricIQ, which is ESPNCricinfo’s flagship cricket trivia game, by simply Tweeting their answers to @ESPNCricinfo.

     

    They will then get an auto-reply as an acknowledgment of their answer and fans who Tweet the right answers the fastest climb up a leaderboard which is announced on every day of the test match. Three daily winners and the Top 3 fans at the end of the test match win exciting prizes.

     

    Twitter India  head of sports partnerships Aneesh Madani said, “Twitter is the mobile microphone for sports fans around the world when they have something to say. We have consistently worked to bring more for the cricket fan and our partnership with ESPNCricinfo, who have built one of the largest audiences in the world for cricket on the platform, is another step in that direction . With this innovation to bring #CricIQ to Twitter, we’re delighted that ESPNCricinfo is giving cricket fans another fun reason to Tweet.”

    ESPNCricinfo director – business development Gaurav Thakur added, “ESPNcricinfo CricIQ has evolved to become one of the finest cricketing quiz destinations for ardent cricket fans and quizzers across the country. With the on-going India v SriLanka Test series, we decided to take the quiz social. This partnership with Twitter for #CricIQ gives fans a chance to play the quiz, and have fun with the uniquely real-time and interactive nature of the experience.”

  • ESPNcricinfo launches ‘Insights’ to strengthen its content offering

    ESPNcricinfo launches ‘Insights’ to strengthen its content offering

    MUMBAI: ESPNcricinfo has launched Insights, the go-to destination for fans looking for all kinds of statistics and analysis around World Cup Cricket tournament. A first of its kind, Insights leverages the in-depth coverage and data analysis of cricket happenings across the globe and allows fans to interact with statistics and numbers in an easy and engaging manner.

     

    ESPNcricinfo Insights uses more than two decades worth of world cricketing data points and statistics, mapped at the data and analytics hub in Bangalore, to create a suite of products that aim to engage fans in this multi-screen era. ESPNcricinfo’s data operations, which tracks various data points around a cricket match, has built various levels of analytics suite  to interpret captured data  and add a qualitative perspective to the analytics thus providing an insightful cricketing analysis based on ‘Big Data.’

     

    The data operations map close to 25 variables for every ball bowled during a match that is put through an extensive analytics process that is supplemented by historical data as well as the resident cricketing intelligence of the global ESPNcricinfo editorial team. ESPNcricinfo has tied up with partners like Formcept India for some of these analytics.

     

    Fans will be able to play around with interesting cricket statistics like player versus player comparisons, across game formats and take into account factors like venue, opposition and results of matches for the previous and current Cricket World Cup.

     

    ESPN Digital Media India and ESPNcricinfo head Ramesh Kumar said, “At ESPNcricinfo, we endeavour to constantly innovate and provide cricket fans newer and exciting ways to consume content and engage with game action. We are delighted to announce the launch of ESPNcricinfo Insights, a flagship feature that is poised to deliver the best cricket insights based on cricket data of all cricket matches, the rigour and robustness of our global cricket data operations, decades of cricket analysis expertise and sound analytics offering built around them.  It is a pioneering initiative in the cricket coverage space and is sure to delight fans during the upcoming cricketing season. It will be of interest not just to cricket fans but also various other stakeholders in cricket like players, coaches, analysts.”

     

    ESPNcricinfo, Epson India senior general manager, brand & communication Tushad Talati added, “When it comes to the most comprehensive coverage of online cricket, ESPNcricinfo is the first choice for most Indians. This World Cup, more than any so far, promises to have a strong following online, given not just the increase in internet audiences but also that the timings are not exactly conducive to television viewing in India. The Insight’s center on ESPNcricinfo is expected to be the go-to place for all cricket buffs keen to get all the information and stats around the World Cup.  At Epson we felt that our presence on Cricinfo during this World Cup made imminent sense and would drive visibility for key products, especially our fantastic InkTank Printers and Home Theatre projectors.”