ICC taps Near Foundation for a Web3 fan app for 2023 Cricket World Cup

• The new Cricket World Cup Web3 fan app aims at boosting Web3 adoption in sports.
• The app introduces prediction games, allowing fans to earn points for accurate match predictions.
• This partnership highlights ICC’s commitment to blockchain-based applications.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to embrace the world of Web3 technology by teaming up with the Near Foundation to introduce a blockchain-powered fan engagement app for the highly anticipated 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.

The ICC’s foray into the Web3 realm began with the creation of FanCraze, a non-fungible token (NFT) platform in 2022. FanCraze allowed cricket enthusiasts to own NFTs that represented iconic moments from past ICC tournaments. This platform laid the foundation for the upcoming Web3 fan engagement app.

Innovative features for Cricket Aficionados

The new Web3 fan app promises an array of exciting features to enhance fan engagement. Fans will be able to participate in prediction games, where they make strategic selections for tournament matches.

These predictions will earn them points, reflecting the accuracy of their choices compared to the actual match outcomes. These points will contribute to leaderboards and unlock rewards, making the Cricket World Cup experience even more immersive.

Interoperability and Near Foundation’s role

The choice of Near Foundation as a partner is no accident. Near’s Blockchain Operating System offers invaluable interoperability with other blockchain networks. This seamless integration enables the Web3 fan app to interact effectively with diverse blockchain ecosystems, enhancing its utility and reach.

Beyond fan engagement, this partnership seeks to showcase the potential of blockchain technology in the world of sports.

By collaborating with one of the most popular sports on the Indian subcontinent, the ICC aims to demonstrate the real-world applications of blockchain and Web3 technology. With India’s Cricket World Cup hosting, this is a prime opportunity to illustrate the power of blockchain technology to a massive audience.

The partnership between the ICC and Near Foundation is not a short-term endeavour. It extends until December 2025, indicating a sustained commitment to explore and develop Web3 applications that enhance the cricket experience for fans around the world.

2023 Cricket World Cup timelines

The 2023 Cricket World Cup is just around the corner, commencing on October 5 and culminating with the final match on November 19. Cricket enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike can look forward to an exciting blend of sports and blockchain technology during this global sporting extravaganza.

ICC’s collaboration with the Near Foundation to introduce a Web3 fan app for the Cricket World Cup signals a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into the realm of sports, with a focus on enriching fan engagement and showcasing the transformative potential of Web3. Cricket fans worldwide can anticipate an immersive and interactive experience during this cricketing spectacle.