Sports fans have never has so much access to their favourite teams. Thanks to mobile devices including smartphones and tablets, people can follow everything going on and off the pitch all day, everyday. With just a few clicks of an app which fits into the palm of their hand, supporters are capable of finding out all of the latest news and happenings whenever they wish.
Fan engagement is key for cricket teams and franchises keen to increase the size of the fanbases and quality content is imperative. This article will look at the many ways cricket clubs can engage supporters beyond the day of the match with immersive and interactive experiences now commonplace online applications.
Breaking News
Interactive apps are hugely popular as it allows fans to stay updated with the latest breaking news sent directly to people’s phones with a notification alerting users instantly. As soon as an Indian Premier League side make a new signing or confirm a contract extension of a star player, this information is communicated immediately and pushed directly to the biggest supporters of the team who have downloaded that side’s app to their phone.
What’s more, on the day of the game, if followers of the team can’t make the match, score updates and alerts are shared in real-time so that supporters can follow what is going on live from the stadium. These notifications ensure fans don’t miss key details around games and signings, meaning they feel strongly connected and valued by the team by constantly being kept in the loop.
Betting Options
Many fans enjoy adding an extra thrill to IPL games by predicting the outcome of matches and can wager on a range of different events throughout the season, from runs made to wickets taken.
When it comes to picking out an IPL betting app, cricket followers can compare and assess a range of different sites to find the one which best suits their betting style and preferences. There is much to consider, from local payment options to user experience and promotions and so it’s important for players to read expert guides on the top-rated platforms for the upcoming campaign so that they can make a smart choice before making picks around IPL match-ups.
The live in-play betting function allows bettors to make picks as the action is going on. So, if the top batsman is bowled out in swift fashion, fans can assess the impact of this on the game in real-time and wager accordingly using their knowledge of the two IPL teams. In terms of immersion and interaction, the live in-play feature has become an extended feature of watching cricket and is part of the overall matchday experience for fans who enjoy a flutter.
Exclusive Content
When a major signing is secured, sport franchises will sit down with the new star attraction and conduct an interview to hear more on the move and how excited the player is to make the switch. Some teams will then use this as exclusive content and send this to app users before putting the video out to the wider fanbase and public. This further strengthens the bond and loyalty from the fan as they are given special access.
What’s more, content teams also produce written features and video pieces with players and coaches so that supporters can find out more about the team and personalities which make up the club. This type of production is enjoyable for the stars of the franchise and fans alike and access to behind-the-scenes content increases the appeal of downloading the app meaning more supporters will sign up, further boosting the fanbase and reaching more people in India and beyond.
Ticket Sales and Updates
For those keen on watching the team live, either regularly throughout the campaign or as part of a bucket-list trip, franchise apps are perfect for tracking and purchasing tickets. Here, you can look at available seats or standing points and pick out where you would like to view the game from.
For games that sell out, some clubs feature resale platforms where genuine fans can sell tickets to games they can’t attend which cuts out the possibility of tours buying particular specs and putting a mark up on the price. These apps feature security measures which protect personal data and financial information from would-be hackers and malicious actors meaning supporters can purchase tickets with total peace of mind that they will not be scammed.
Gamification and Rewards
A number of sporting franchises have introduced gamification and cryptocurrency rewards for supporters. By incentivising user participation, clubs are building stronger links and interaction with fans through challenges, polls, points, leaderboards and badges. In the world of the sport, being considered a ‘top fan’ is a badge of honour for those who commit time and energy to their favourite teams.
Crypto rewards, meanwhile, enhance fan engagement by offering blockchain tokens which can be redeemed for exclusive offers, products and even experience like a meet-and-greet day with the coach and team. This boosts interaction but also ensures the franchise is right up to date with the latest technologies and therefore catering for all followers.
Summing Up
Overall, franchises in cricket have made great use of technological advancements and the booming popularity of smartphones and apps to bring their fans closer to the team and the action.
With so many people across the globe now having access to a mobile device, clubs can now reach billions of people and increase their fanbases with truly immersive and interactive experiences.
From breaking news sent directly to the user to exclusive content shared before being published to the masses, cricket teams have been able to create a meaningful connection with supporters while rewarding them for their fandom and commitment.
