The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly in advanced discussions to make its initial investment in a startup, with Bengaluru-based game-tech company LightFury Games emerging as a prominent candidate. This potential move could redefine the landscape of cricket gaming.
The ICC is engaged in discussions to support the gaming studio, which would mark the governing body’s first direct investment in a startup. This development suggests a shift in the ICC’s digital strategy, highlighting the increasing importance of interactive entertainment as sports organisations seek to enhance fan engagement beyond traditional broadcast rights and live events.
Reports indicate that LightFury Games has secured the ICC’s official gaming rights for mobile, PC, and console platforms globally. If confirmed, this would be a rare instance of a gaming company being granted rights across all three major platforms simultaneously, providing the startup with a broad scope for developing cricket gaming experiences.
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Bengaluru, LightFury Games focuses on creating premium cross-platform titles for a global audience. The studio was established by gaming industry veterans with backgrounds in game development, publishing, and live-service operations.
While the company has focused on developing original intellectual property, it has also pursued licensed gaming projects. The reported collaboration with the ICC would significantly enhance its profile, offering access to a large and dedicated community of sports fans.
When questioned, the ICC did not confirm the development but suggested that an announcement could be forthcoming. An ICC spokesperson stated that they were not in a position to confirm anything at present, but an announcement would be made in the coming weeks. LightFury Games chose not to comment on the report.
This potential deal would also underscore the growing prominence of India’s game-development ecosystem, with a young Bengaluru startup potentially securing one of cricket’s most valuable global licences.
LightFury Games’ Ambition
If the partnership is finalised, it would provide LightFury Games with global branding rights and support its aim to develop “E-Cricket,” a AAA (high-budget) cricket game. This game is intended to compete with leading global sports gaming franchises.
LightFury Games is developing “E-Cricket” as a AAA cricket title designed for multiple platforms. The game aims to offer features such as real-time multiplayer gameplay, support for mobile, PC, and console, and high-quality graphics and gameplay. It also intends to provide global competitive cricket experiences and, if the deal is finalised, official ICC branding and tournaments.
The company hopes to establish a cricket gaming franchise that can rival the scale of major football video game series. The project focuses on realistic gameplay mechanics, licensed professional cricketers, cross-platform multiplayer support, and global competitive play. The company has assembled a leadership team with experience from prominent gaming companies.
The ICC views gaming as a crucial avenue for expanding cricket’s global reach. Gaming has become one of the fastest-growing forms of sports entertainment, and cricket represents a relatively underdeveloped segment compared to other sports like football and basketball.
Potential Industry Impact
If the partnership is completed, it could accelerate investment in Indian game development and boost cricket’s digital ecosystem. It could also increase global esports opportunities and encourage more sports organisations to support gaming startups.
The deal would also represent a rare instance of an international sports governing body acquiring an equity stake in a gaming startup. For India’s gaming industry, this partnership could be a significant milestone, potentially elevating the country’s game development capabilities and demonstrating that Indian studios can create globally competitive sports franchises.
The proposed investment reflects the ICC’s increasing focus on digital engagement and the commercial potential of gaming. By collaborating with LightFury Games, the governing body could help create the first globally licensed AAA cricket game, opening new revenue streams beyond traditional media rights and sponsorships. An announcement from the ICC is expected in the coming weeks.
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Source: indiantelevision.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter