The International Cricket Council will launch a blockchain app for fans utilizing the Near blockchain to widen access to millions of cricket fans.
Cricket fans worldwide are in for a pleasant surprise as the International Cricket Council (ICC) will launch an app for them. The unique aspect is that it will be a blockchain app focusing on reaching millions of cricket fans. The ICC has partnered with the Near Foundation to deploy its blockchain in building the app.
The Near blockchain-enabled app will help increase engagement for users during the Cricket World Cup 2023. The ICC has engaged with blockchain technology earlier for one of its fan initiatives. With its success, it may have decided to further explore the scope of crypto bundled with its activities for fans. Finn Bradshaw, head of digital at ICC, has confirmed their exploration of other use cases of blockchain technology.
“In partnering with the most popular sport on the sub-continent, we expect it to be a showcase for the ecosystem’s technology and partners in demonstrating what a mass-market Web3 application looks like,” said the CEO of Near, Chris Donovan.
The Near blockchain will help the app with its scalable infrastructure, smart contract capabilities, and other necessary features. Donovan said their team worked together with ICC for months to explore how new initiatives can be centered on blockchain.
It is not the first time that sports associations have delved into crypto. In 2022, FIFA had undertaken a similar strategy, while clubs like FC Barcelona are also exploring the crypto space.