Introduction
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has joined forces with NEAR Foundation to develop a blockchain-powered Web3 fan engagement app for the upcoming 2023 Cricket World Cup in India. This collaboration aims to reach millions of cricket fans over the next six weeks, offering an enhanced digital experience.Driving Fan Engagement
The ICC's venture into the world of Web3 began with the creation of an NFT platform called FanCraze in 2022. The platform allowed fans to own historic highlights from various ICC tournaments. Building on the success of FanCraze, the new Web3 mobile app will enable fans to engage with the game before, during, and after matches at the highly anticipated World Cup.Exciting Features
The app will feature prediction games that require fans to make strategic selections for upcoming matches. Fans will earn points based on the accuracy of their predictions, competing for top spots on leaderboards and rewards throughout the competition.Shared Vision
ICC head of digital, Chris Donovan, highlighted the organization's shared vision with NEAR in leveraging Web3 technology to enhance digital experiences for cricket fans. NEAR's Blockchain Operating System's interoperability with other networks played a crucial role in the partnership, allowing for greater product connectivity across blockchains.Showcasing Blockchain Technology
With the Cricket World Cup taking place in India, a country passionate about the sport, NEAR CEO Finn Bradshaw sees an opportunity to showcase the potential of blockchain technology. By partnering with the most popular sport on the sub-continent, NEAR hopes to demonstrate what a mass-market Web3 application can achieve.Extensive Research and Collaboration
NEAR Foundation's business development team worked closely with the ICC for four months to identify and research suitable use cases for the Cricket World Cup. The tournament is set to begin on October 5, with the final scheduled for November 19. As the Cricket World Cup approaches, cricket fans can look forward to the launch of the Web3 fan app, bringing a new level of engagement and excitement to the beloved sport.
