ICC to Secure Player Rights for Mobile Cricket Game through Member Boards

Strategic Insights -

The International Cricket Council (ICC) will approach its member boards to secure player rights for its upcoming mobile cricket game, bypassing the World Cricketers Association (WCA). This move is crucial for the project's success and reflects the ICC's strategy to control player rights directly. The ICC is exploring ways to secure the rights of retired legends, including iconic names like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. The project aims to reimagine cricket's digital experience, engaging modern audiences and reflecting the game's global scale.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ICC will secure player rights through its member boards, without involving the World Cricketers Association (WCA).
  • The move contrasts with most officially licensed sports video games, which typically acquire player rights through third-party players' unions.
  • The ICC is exploring ways to secure the rights of retired legends, including iconic names like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni.
  • A&W Capital has been appointed as an independent consultant to design distribution and revenue generation models.
  • The project aims to have a preferred partner identified for approval at the October board meeting.
  • The ICC hopes to resolve all aspects of the project before its next meeting in October.
  • The company will submit a report on independent valuation of the bundle of rights and distribution model(s) at the October board meetings.
  • The project's timeline is ambitious, with the ICC aiming to resolve all aspects within the next 6-12 months.
  • The move may face legal challenges from WCA members from financially stronger cricketing nations, such as the UK and Australia.

Statistics:

  • 15 respondents participated in the expression of interest process initiated by the ICC.
  • 7 organisations, including Deloitte, BCG, and Sports Five, responded to the competitive request for proposals process.
  • The project aims to have a preferred partner identified and approved at the October board meeting.
  • The expected timeline for the project is 6-12 months.
  • The ICC will move to presentation, selection, and ultimately negotiation with the successful candidate by early September.
  • The project's budget and financial details remain undisclosed.

Sources:

  • ICC note, circulated among members who attended its recent Annual Conference in Singapore.
  • Sri Lanka's The Island.
  • Contify.com.